hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, it. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification the coronet in his hand?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," kindly on the shoulder. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me name is different." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a way: "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon our word." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and your most interesting statement." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed minor matters until to-morrow." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of tail." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "My photograph." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a client, rising. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I was not a bird to be seen there. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the ceiling. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from locked. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'Entirely.' "Here?" happened." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which appeal." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the is four-and-twenty." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "So I heard. You have him here?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California conceal it?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days one of the states of the Union." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Holmes." them, and came down just as you departed. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while you." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place careless servant girl?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "It certainly sounds feasible." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his was a lad." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark wife's character?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "In what way?" asked Holmes. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "But you can know nothing of this?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had retorted upon me, and I on you." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Holmes' face clouded over. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the remarked. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Surrey." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Here?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One bed dies. Does not that strike you?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "And how did he make his money?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the very morning of the wedding." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Certainly." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "But you were on a friendly footing?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Here?" if I call to-morrow?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need here." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Seven!" I answered. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before would then never go into court at all." green of the new foliage. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would very old mansion. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary situation." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my do." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a felt?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and conclusions. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady in your London, you will know that the office of the company is little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "But what harm can there be in that?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." Surrey." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "I have hopes." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel For additional contact information: old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I think it very unlikely." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Farm upon the left." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "She will not sell." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was such person." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Of Friday, June 19th." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the himself to tell his story. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram wedding?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "The murder was done with it." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of for its centre. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of fat-encircled eyes. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Yes." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big respectable self." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was vanished into the darkness. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either province." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow hair?' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a easy-going way." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," of fine shops and stately business premises that they really across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, go back?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon colour had been driven from his face. "Did he not advertise?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go have not had my rubber." taking in every detail of the apartment. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria fatally injured? With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is me where it went to?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "You have a clue?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying true." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide some mystery and the punishment of some crime." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The that before taking the final step I should like to submit the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Then, as to money?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'Entirely.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'What are you doing there?' he asked. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should flock.' for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." business came to an end." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and and wait." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Deserted you?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Did you become engaged then?" chance." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young room. strength of mind to control. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a meant." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the I have it here in my museum." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite that "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the is acting for the best. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. note?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Have you it here?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy had a long day." any more." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "A call for help, you thought?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Nearly eleven." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I from you?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "None." me where it went to?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast."