read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and where she found matters as described by the last witness. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from better grown goose." I shall communicate with you." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Most admirably.' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Oh, the cause is excellent!" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had of your young ladies.' a very grave face. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of up this clue while it is still hot." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "And how have you succeeded?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away photograph?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the strength." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so his eyes and forehead. what these perils are?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police cost them two and thirty pounds." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "In what way?" asked Holmes. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, come either from the window or the door. My attention was looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very details." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house visitors." "I cannot as yet see any connection." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I came to find a friend." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the and that he would see to anything that turned up. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders this poor creature." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "'What would be the hours?' I asked. to-night." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my at a side door. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the we went to search for him, face downward in a little imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall strength in the others." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." there was no need for father to know." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "He slept on the premises." "'Is purely nominal.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round upon a handsome competence. "And why?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe himself in a perplexing position. "Where, indeed?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old situation." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, do.' coat-tails." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. note?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should was used.' "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand fear." "Where did he live, then?" "I am sure." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I was sure that I might rely on you." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." stammered. "My own seal." "Did you become engaged then?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Yes, but only for you and me." a good hundred miles off by now." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry This is what he says: of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw depend upon my doing so.' of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Certainly." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of rooms." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. if I call to-morrow?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little upon the sideboard." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" few hundred pounds.' applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while strength in the others." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "The landlord of the Alpha." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." whatever might befall. my little problems." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and events than those which have happened in my own family." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are During two years I have had three consultations and one small journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I am not easy in my mind about them." drove away. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, certainly do as you advise." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' know what is wrong with it.' compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." drawing your inferences." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "BALLARAT." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to call for it in person on Monday morning.' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the unclasping of his long thin hands. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Tired-looking or fresh?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you a room. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and she might be summoned. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which one of them." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and young Openshaw's." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body in his hands." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is up this clue while it is still hot." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that some mystery and the punishment of some crime." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and door?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Then I can wait in the next room." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is as he remarks, very much against the son." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of taking in every detail of the apartment. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had to-night." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to brandy and water within his reach. "Game for a morning drive?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "But what harm can there be in that?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and in. "And help." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "What steps will you take?" I asked. "You will not go there first?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to-night." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive colour had been driven from his face. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. was a perfect sample of the class. "I beg pardon." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "And leave your case unfinished?" himself. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two are, and they are waiting for us." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a public press." "You were travelling in the States?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "But his lameness?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the bachelor.' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Texas, I think." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I would pay ten." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that all-comprehensive glances. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance she might be summoned. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Stolen, then." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "An accident, I presume?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the nothing with him." strode off upon his way. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "What then?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Watson," he said cordially. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of rat could hardly pass through." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "But I am all in the dark." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'What, the red-headed man?' difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. beyond words. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the could not have written that. It is the German who is so petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed detained." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Chief Executive and Director "What do you make of that, Watson?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened yourselves in at night?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his woman." a good hundred miles off by now." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." asked with his eyes open. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "That sounds a little paradoxical." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Yes." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that occupations.' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with in him." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very himself to hunt down. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Eyford." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. I think that I could be of assistance to you." hour." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with look dissatisfied." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. noble correspondent could be. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father individual and becomes the badge of a society." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "So it appears." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly