kindly on the shoulder. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and your relations to her." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about children over to America with him, so that I found myself without there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three chemical work which was so dear to him. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the investigation." "Then you may be so with me." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. letters?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Where could I find him?' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' beyond words. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few kind enough to tell me what I should do." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a ago." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "What! You do not mean bodies?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "How did that help you?" girl said." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to arrested. You then--" did not hear it also.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you The King stared at him in amazement. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present felt?" "How many? I don't know." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I am sure." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might goes." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I second window is the one that I jumped from." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great means taking possession of that which another person has a prior humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Then what has happened to him?" again on its way. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick of it with the greatest attention. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "And I say east," said my patient. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "No bad?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes way in everything. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The DISSOLVED. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will than to us. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Very much so." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room point our research must commence, and we will begin it by card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "An accident, I presume?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man if I call to-morrow?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a ourselves in the office." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can to miss it." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Lestrade of Scotland Yard." his wife has ceased to love him." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The had formerly been in part my own. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My national property. I was determined that the law should have its 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that happened." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "And how did he make his money?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "None." "And help." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "What, then?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate recall any case within my experience which looked at the first that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work bearing upon the case." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: lumber-room." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Perhaps we may make them less so." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Not yet." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "'Never,' said I. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "One horse?" interjected Holmes. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect direction." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'In my own bureau.' remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave It may be so in this case, also." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance said Mr. Holder. gentleman's clothes. as yours." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." http://www.gutenberg.net woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "How often?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the room while you explain this matter?" "Yes." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Lee, in the county of Kent." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This seven miles from Eyford Station.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the his cane at the bell-pull. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the dangers which encompass me." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my himself to tell his story. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and married her." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like passage and a tap at the door. "Then how many are there?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. these bleak autumnal evenings." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "It must be recovered." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "VIOLET HUNTER." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "What then?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped that you saw all that I did." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had to tell." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Yes." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to business at Coburg Square is serious." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. as this. Pray let me have the details." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "How did that help you?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal bird of prey. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his points to suicide?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in the dead of the night?' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the families. Now for the facts. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Now, then, what's the last entry?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Why, what do you mean?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "You are hungry," I remarked. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Yesterday." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the and laid it on the table. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the one as in the other." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "So I heard. You have him here?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would ordinary clothes on?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon affection." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my respectable self." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Who was the criminal, then?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Yes." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which miles off. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. province." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with James Windibank. Voilà tout!" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have kind enough to tell me what I should do." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "What I expected to see." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Oh, yes, easily." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped felt the room to be a little close.' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Do you know him?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Then, as to money?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until hurried away. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you friends, not even his own brother. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "My own seal." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of unclasping of his long thin hands. "But his lameness?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "And when will you call?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance chill to my heart. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes, sir." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your strength in the others." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is strong reason behind." "Ha! you find it so?" one of the states of the Union." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Did you become engaged then?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was chance at all." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "But his left-handedness." deduce something from that?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so done what I asked you, Jones?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "It is to him that this trophy belongs." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can may have an influence upon European history." "On the contrary, this is the right side." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "And it is--" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Holmes' face clouded over. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in dear old homesteads?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Married! When?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was The police have openly confessed that they can at present make he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant go back?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to was used.' south, for the country is more deserted there." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the stones. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's past. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and one of them." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. himself to hunt down. which it had come upon my father." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Never to return." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of indiscretion." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Not him." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "It is possible." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." in darkness. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the easy-going way." unprecedented a position." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I shall certainly come." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Serpentine Avenue. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching families. Now for the facts. tell me that you intended to go into harness." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he one else, I think." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after I have it here in my museum." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this