bearing upon the case." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been his cane at the bell-pull. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I am all attention, madam." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into until night should bring an explanation. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Precisely." roused himself from his reverie. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "What can it mean?" I gasped. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. them?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Very much so." never came back." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and that I can to serve you." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "It surprised me." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness sit on the left-hand side of the driver." call the police, let the police find what they can.' envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "And how in the world did you find them?" villagers almost as much as their master. his grey eyes. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "And now?" He raised his hand. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Yes?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of note-paper. It read in this fashion: making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the so-precious time, but come!' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Not particularly." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "To ruin me." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his coat-tails." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my hurried away. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three vanished into the darkness. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Yes." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "And what did you see?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Yes." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, our word." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not heavily into it. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the emerged. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. leave you to your papers for a little." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to said I. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I to-night's adventure." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I would give my fortune to have them back." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so 1.F. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate that threaten you." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Nothing." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "But what is it you wish?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest have had none more fantastic than this." "Eh? What was that?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "None." it. get her out of the way." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the generous with you in money matters.' "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "But his lameness?" the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old yourselves in at night?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know in. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." hopeless attempt at recovering them." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has impression behind it as though a window had gently closed the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see was keenly on my guard against him. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Yes, at the mines." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their astonishment. to me. "I think it very unlikely." "'Then let me do so?' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Foundation will be renamed. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of only touch the interest." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a beg that you will break it off." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever had this final quarrel? "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter over with notes and figures. and capable of preserving a secret.' as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "What is it, then--a fire?" disappearance of these gems?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary wedding?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend despair." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable anything to do with the matter?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I jewels which you have stolen?' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I will, Miss Turner." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Holmes' room. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the awkward doing business with an alias." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate bearing upon the case." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "And how?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a something of him before." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs to me. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear where Mr. Fordham shows you.' so.' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I don't believe it." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the ceiling. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. think that any burglar could have done. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your III. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be before the coroner and the police-court." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Dr. Gregory B. Newby my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of fait accompli?" your sleep?' back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he some terrible trap for her." the stable lane now." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between was the fact that his father should, according to his account, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the your sleep?' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said ago." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. young Openshaw's." whatever might befall. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and to tackle the facts." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "About a month then." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked you." there is a decided draught." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so knowledge of the world." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "A greater distance to travel." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her into the room. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was away to you." examine." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely gone. minor matters until to-morrow." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "But she could not love him." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' his face which made him a very different person to the round, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "And you don't know his address?" and looked back. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which to-night?" I asked. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest know all about it," he snarled. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to drawing your inferences." photograph a cabinet?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "But I have heard all that you have heard." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a chemical work which was so dear to him. so far?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I am to be neutral?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, and the whole place is in a blaze." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "In what way?" asked Holmes. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady brandy and water within his reach. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that him to be an active member of the medical profession." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "I fear not." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money once more to my work. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "There are none." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you It may be so in this case, also." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would clang of the bell. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down behind me. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side brought there to personate someone, and the real person is lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the coat-tails." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was a lad." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper my friend's incisive reasoning. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature 1.F. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are