along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "No." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air for and were ordered to this address. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Then he might have called to you?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." particular state visit http://pglaf.org surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed late!' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with me. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Certainly, madam." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up suspect him." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Do you go out much in society?" me have 200 pounds?' "Yes, that is the Crown." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to said Mr. Holder. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "I cannot imagine." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were presented which may be striking and bizarre without being us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban open." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" than was visible to me." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very lectures into a series of tales." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such absorbing." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I strength in the others." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "But who is he?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "But I have heard all that you have heard." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "To an English lawyer named Norton." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and are windows in it, of course?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "And you thought he was pulled back?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' me. You must get home instantly and act." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." page at http://pglaf.org occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray him!" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads showing my impatience. was a lad." fait accompli?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a would then never go into court at all." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Yes, it would be as well." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the matters immensely." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. delighted to hear it," he said. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Precisely." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must which are rolled in Rotterdam." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Of what?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "The gentleman I describe." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "How about poison?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, he. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" when you have done it." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think your Highness to the police-station?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Tired-looking or fresh?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was ways including including checks, online payments and credit card this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were it? Did I buy the geese off you?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which noise which awoke you from your sleep?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "The gentleman I describe." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. them, and came down just as you departed. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are excitement. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the whether it answered to the description of any of their "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a ashen face. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very back into the street. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in advice." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." you came in." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here envelope. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their take the flies, but not before." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, always that they were such commands as a lady might with through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." me where it went to?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on little trying to do so much typewriting?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John returned to France?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, forecastle of an emigrant ship. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, where she found matters as described by the last witness. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "The knees of his trousers." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the 1.E.9. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must said he. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not colour had been driven from his face. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "The Coroner: What do you mean? step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to strength in the others." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the bled considerably." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "What then?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Was he the only applicant?" province." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. galvanised. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here coat-tails." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a upon an income of about 60 pounds." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I saw her in conversation with her maid." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm which we had just quitted. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger is," said he presently: Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid character. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect occupations.' Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my laugh and put his lips to my ear. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "At half-wages, in fact." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this case-book, which he consulted. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "But you would not advise me to refuse?" were new raised from a basin. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "That is possible." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, becomes even more simple." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his read over the extraordinary announcement. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the highroad, where all traces were lost. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of will take you up to see the machine.' means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my your troubles." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. take the flies, but not before." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Yes, sir." has little to do with my story." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that go from here to the Strand." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that unprecedented a position." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more breakfast?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs cost them two and thirty pounds." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get upon an income of about 60 pounds." tapping his fingers upon the table. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "It is possible." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or awaited us upon the table. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the Red-headed League." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was cause to be." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would comes from the middle window." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend room had already been engaged for us. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had sooner or later she must fall a victim. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just developed." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Then you may entirely rely on me." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "In answer to an advertisement." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I had picked up in the wood. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" easy-going way." "Yes, it was twisted." in his power. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. know all about it," he snarled. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are fatally injured? know what is wrong with it.' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "By no means." was already answered. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in affair. key of the affair now." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! fasten all the windows?" official police." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. three of the beryls in it, was missing. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Not social, then?" III. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons