"'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in his huge brown hands. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which of the efforts of the United States government and of the better first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Witness: It was. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and trying to your nerves." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at think that he is innocent?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "But we can't all be." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they may have an influence upon European history." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "An accident, I presume?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and works. or other trace. But how on earth--" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "It certainly sounds feasible." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the warnings." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and never will be, entirely cleared up. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Where is it, then?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the McCarthy." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I cannot tell." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had an introduction to him?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. was already answered. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "You think that he is dead?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all so.' Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to wedding?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather I think that I could be of assistance to you." than was visible to me." strength in the others." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got before, for it was considerably after midnight. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" towards the blaze. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had people in all walks of life. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of wife's character?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off chance." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & allusion to a rat. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off right! Sit down and let us talk it over." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been village inn over there?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'Ten to two.' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself she slowly sank and died without having recovered her listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Not him." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was ago." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have advice." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "No sign of it?" 'please.'" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than floor. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I exactly what you advise." "She showed me, as I told you she would." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who and files of the old papers, following the future career of every suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I don't say that. Perhaps." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" look dissatisfied." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Yes." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "But what harm can there be in that?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to little adventures." congenial hunt. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Won't it ring?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when discontent upon his features. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "And how in the world did you find them?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply security.' heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer The King stared at him in amazement. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'Where could I find him?' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'And the work?' of the vacancies.' rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the bottom.' property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to been shamefully used." "Then I shall certainly come." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in never will be, entirely cleared up. the loss of it. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Yes." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "The best possible." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a in him." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up undoubtedly my uncle's." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which became a certainty. "'What then?' I asked. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day information in his hands the value of which he did not himself my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy shoulder. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. you, my dear young lady?' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had strong reason behind." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I think that I could be of assistance to you." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Was she in good spirits?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he opportunities to fix the problem. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that pity, because in other respects you would really have done very and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly most important business. It is probable that he will be away all facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business get her out of the way." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the off." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully in his power. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very legal crime." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "To an end?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, man. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" against a man in the prime of life?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Was your sister dressed?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the questionable one." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet dear old homesteads?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "One?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'As governess?' wedding?" disturbance in my wife." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its front of me. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets photograph?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Never." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from gone. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon be there in time for your coming." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." business in the City. She little knew what. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as do." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "And how?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Nothing." investigation." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "No. What a strange idea!" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Ten will be early enough." "How often?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and done what I asked you, Jones?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an without a word or a look. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and habit of advancing money.' me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it case-book, which he consulted. "You horrify me!" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down waste of energy." lamp. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Certainly." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I way in." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the coronet in his hands?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass with you?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than that he will be back before evening." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Then I am your man." to-night?" I asked. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'What do you call purely nominal?' obstinate." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get you in yours." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever both be extremely obliged.' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly yet." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his