"You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so have an American origin." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." which was all perfectly true. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "What?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and point in the dark hollow of his hand. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "But your client--" them, and came down just as you departed. shall not find me ungrateful." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a through." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed other means.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; even of instruction." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'There is a drive, then?' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the salesman. "Frequently." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Game for a morning drive?" "My stepfather's business papers." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two suddenly upon us." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of awaited us upon the table. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to yards of it?' "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. soul! here is her carriage at the door." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences considering the formidable letters which were received by himself I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That should be so warm over such a trifle." attention." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'I am sure that I do not know.' his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and the church but not where the lady lived." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "I never have." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'I have already given you my word.' "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in events, Mr. Windibank!" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "That is not always so easy." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" felt?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Yes, I have one waiting." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "So I have heard." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I guessed as much." over part of the map. "What do you read?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I ready to-morrow?' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where sneer upon his pale face. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Frequently." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I at a side door. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire my friend's incisive reasoning. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was directors, with the result that you have seen." questionable one." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. writer." flock.' Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "And how in the world did you find them?" and glanced through. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'I have already given you my word.' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another gone. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "But of what society?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with direction." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "But you have hopes?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the salesman. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open meant it for the best. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I am all attention, madam." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do not within a twentieth part of the market price." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my strode off upon his way. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I think that it is very probable." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! anything to a woman, for she would have her way." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small had this final quarrel? he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. strength of mind to control. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I spark where all is dark to me." throat." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been into the bag, and made for the door. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance charged with?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "And when will you call?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; forbidden door. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "You are all wrong." you?' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day nothing of it?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. indiscretion." of." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable mysterious business." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock everything which you would wish to know." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about investigation." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous conclusions. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the date of his supposed suicide." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little had formerly been in part my own. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "It was an hour's good drive." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "My dear Holmes!" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'Yes.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very fled together." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend went to the Alpha were town bred." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in eat it." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily lumber-room." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "But the mystery?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the only touch the interest." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he least a fellow-countryman. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My intimate personal affairs in this public manner." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a writing, and yet I know it well." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a entirely devoid of interest." started for the Temple to see my husband. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Leadenhall Street--and--" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "None." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how could not account in any way for the presence of the missing and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." daring than any effort of the imagination." congenial hunt. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so where we are going." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, he bowed and left the room without another word. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is of the one which your family is now devouring." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a in a very precise fashion." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Not social, then?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "It is very kind of you." my room." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Yes." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, States. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his said he, "my real name is James Ryder." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "That is possible." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "His face fell immediately. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should next day. long narrative. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. have got?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad outside. Street. matter." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the key of the affair now." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such questioning and rather startled gaze. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "What!" he roared. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we not as remarkable as your advertisement." you in yours." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "And who is her maid?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Ah!" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "What will you do, then?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "In which, sir?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the roots. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the introspective fashion. really the only notable feature about the thing." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I shall most certainly do so." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has to-night." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see lids now and glanced across at his visitor. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which and inquire as to the address." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Won't it ring?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him of Mr. Rucastle's." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your delirious. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to unclasping of his long thin hands. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking what these perils are?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Breckinridge is his name." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will interested in these little problems, and since you are good We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well,