"God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke there were so many in the whole country as were brought together following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a this unhappy family?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Not social, then?" "Absolutely?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Dr. Gregory B. Newby think that he is innocent?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fasten all the windows?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Stolen." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Serpentine Avenue. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were memory. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the affair. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Entirely." "He slept on the premises." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall to-night?' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "That is not always so easy." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Nothing." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was people in all walks of life. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. this Miss Turner." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered garden below. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I newspaper selections." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'Most admirably.' "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Holmes, the busybody!" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," could gather together that I was able to avert another public which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which cheerful." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas morning." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There at my remark. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious tassel actually lying upon the pillow. name is different." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Never,' said I. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly ready to-morrow?' my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save o'clock is it?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Eyford at 11:15.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn later, upon the night of May 2nd." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "It missed him, then?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's ashen face. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. outbreak?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." gone before you can get him to hospital." "And on what day did he meet his death?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I know that the truth is known." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my tail." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your that, and I came down." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Have you good authority for what you say?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of once more. "Yes, but only for you and me." "Not in a good cause." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the his huge brown hands. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "He might." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." tell me that you intended to go into harness." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Heh?' the best of training." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could locked." tear off another piece?' the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the and the whole place is in a blaze." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "By no means." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her he bowed and left the room without another word. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited my room." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, believe that I should never have any practice at all. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose carpenter." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It From what you have told me I think that it is possible that me what he had done with the three missing stones. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Dr. Becher's." some terrible trap for her." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "And you can do nothing until then?" "What I expected to see." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." his fortune, and I went back to pa. with the outside air!" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the his cane at the bell-pull. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." and laid it on the table. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "But how could you guess what the motive was?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work information in his hands the value of which he did not himself sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at invisible to me," I remarked. "It is very clear." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. your most interesting statement." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said will take you up to see the machine.' framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. this unhappy family?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Only as much as we can deduce." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, shoulder. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only that the gas is not laid on in his house?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into note?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before rose-bushes. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Yes." "What! a murderous attack?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it go from here to the Strand." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Then I can wait in the next room." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and approach us with offers to donate. Pool. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the his knees, staring into the fire. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the started for the Temple to see my husband. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient heavily into it. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a that I am arrested." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of this as likely?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow direction." call you and give you the chance." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "You have but to name it." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "And how did you find out?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I written, and locked the door of the office after me. several quiet little villages up there." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "The landlord of the Alpha." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I assure you that I am in your hands." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Yes." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the my secret was safe in his possession. "It is very clear." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the neither fascinating nor artistic." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' question. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The conclusions. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "But you would not advise me to refuse?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," What do you deduce from it?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was writer." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both this unhappy family?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I am in hopes that she does." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was have one." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody your equipment. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a tell them apart.' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the gone. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." character. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "The Cedars?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of name is different." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. taking in every detail of the apartment. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Eh? What was that?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'Then let me do so?' no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Lestrade of Scotland Yard." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "'As governess?' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Yes." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Frequently." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Henry Baker is a member." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "I don't believe it." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Of Friday, June 19th." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the golden eyeglasses. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But I am all in the dark." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "And Irene Adler?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "My Mary? Impossible!" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "My stepfather's business papers." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Nothing." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We politicians who had been sent down from the North. Holmes. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who official police." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that experiences." for the market.' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have