sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we there in twenty minutes." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been arms and began to sob in a high treble key. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Certainly." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Of what?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter unprecedented a position." it." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have there were one or two details which were new to me. But the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I guessed as much." key of the affair now." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which *** START: FULL LICENSE *** bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, money should be paid at once.' once more for Briony Lodge. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future disappearance of these gems?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Then he might have called to you?" burst out into a roar of laughter. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but already been minutely examined." "Yes, I have one waiting." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Very much so." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' laugh and put his lips to my ear. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four door?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from had a long day." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of nonsense.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen upon a handsome competence. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "It is true that I have been generally successful." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "You have a clue?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet very morning of my second wedding." appeal." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly ran thus: passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So if I call to-morrow?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Then, how do you know?" something of him before." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the possible that we could bring him back to her? within hail.' gone. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a was not a bird to be seen there. "But you can know nothing of this?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." help us in this matter." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a towards the blaze. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Really! You surprise me." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without was it brought him the coronet? mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over not personally threatened." dear old homesteads?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the coroner come to?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such entirely devoid of interest." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should is worth.' "But he might be a bachelor." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might morning." ordinary clothes on?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Tired-looking or fresh?" late." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to during that time.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it cheerful." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the stammered. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "How on earth--" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out prison!" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his carried out of court." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Pray do so." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The that he will be back before evening." lectures into a series of tales." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the side-table." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "No." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate business?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Never." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Yes." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the just ask you whether you had heard it.' to-morrow." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who problems help me to do so." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every detained." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "No." Foundation "And how did he make his money?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "But I am all in the dark." "Precisely." "By train from Waterloo." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Not I." "I do." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows national property. I was determined that the law should have its its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key with some details as to your case." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Perhaps we may make them less so." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." and glanced through. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to me. You must get home instantly and act." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I business?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as as this. Pray let me have the details." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the trifles." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has if only as a check to my own memory." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "At what time?" electronic works "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that might help us?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, had died away into the silence from which it rose. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" indeed happy." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Of Friday, June 19th." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported ago." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "But what harm can there be in that?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "What?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are and the church but not where the lady lived." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and really the only notable feature about the thing." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the roots. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "You have a clue?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "None." whether it answered to the description of any of their yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly roused himself from his reverie. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William be sorry for having acted so harshly." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole outbreak?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "So I heard. You have him here?" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with like that before?" "It certainly sounds feasible." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project forbidden door. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the fear." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, note?" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." him and tried to hold him back. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "'Stolen!' he cried. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that house for five minutes.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." four million human beings all jostling each other within the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary most interesting one." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not gone. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. there is a decided draught." "Was the window open?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "To ruin me." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of goes." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in door?" stood on the top of it. "But you have hopes?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "I shall most certainly do so." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Street. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "At what time?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus nonsense.' arrested. You then--" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I cannot tell." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the stable lane now." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a round and wave him away like that.' the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. child?' "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "To ruin me." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the introspective fashion. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "It is his hat." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Look there!" said he. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." over here." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to know all about it," he snarled. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "How did you deduce the select?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on through." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I in. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip