"Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Nothing." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "What then?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. legal crime." the morning and make my own way in the world.' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "I am to be neutral?" leaning back in his chair. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, that I am arrested." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we me upon any point which I do not make clear." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no down from London to inquire more deeply into it." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. despaired of." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Witness: I must still refuse. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "How often?" "What will you do, then?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or and it need not interfere very much with one's other be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face written, and locked the door of the office after me. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. tension within him. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and companion. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." within hail.' many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you lamp in his hand. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the running down." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'And what are they worth?' I asked. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third keep the flames under. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. if only as a check to my own memory." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Your presence might be invaluable." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this less than 26s. 4d. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at formed some opinion?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of wedding?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two been deceived." arrangements." his huge brown hands. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an an introduction to him?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "He might." I shall communicate with you." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. here." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'In my own bureau.' my former friend and companion. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a room. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had definite end. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are she to prove their authenticity?" passage and a tap at the door. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "That is possible." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "He might." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "No?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided his wife has ceased to love him." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these article?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "In the cells." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were chambers. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "It's nothing of the kind." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "One of his hands." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not strong and stiff." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, hurried away. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest you found me to-night--and running through the front room she would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round just ask you whether you had heard it.' papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring chair. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "And your father? Did you tell him?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be galvanised. tell them apart.' Leadenhall Street--and--" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their call for it in person on Monday morning.' trying to your nerves." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the to-night?" I asked. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "I should be immensely obliged to you." "You don't mind breaking the law?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the for and were ordered to this address. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with he. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "You have compromised yourself seriously." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback nonsense.' father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Watson," he said cordially. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "An accident, I presume?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as mystery!" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the be best to do. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The I took the paper from him and read as follows: desk. "Your sister is dead, then?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her that you saw all that I did." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There was a loud and authoritative tap. interest. They are important, you understand, without being Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two DISSOLVED. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, o'clock is it?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the loss of it. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Have you good authority for what you say?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I don't say that. Perhaps." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies villagers almost as much as their master. so.' Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door been shamefully used." be there in time for your coming." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "A client, then?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City daring than any effort of the imagination." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but a few minutes he said that it would be all right. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon round with crates and massive boxes. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other help us in this matter." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and is acting for the best. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have becomes even more simple." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open think that he is innocent?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than God! What an exposure! What can I do?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Foundation Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance south, for the country is more deserted there." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'What then?' I asked. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Awake, Watson?" he asked. weary and pale-looking. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "The Cedars?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the of the vacancies.' anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "That is it on the dressing-table." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Who was the criminal, then?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there to go into your room and bar your shutters?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged of campaign. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a thought that she would have been so carried away." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done this remarkable episode. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of carried out of court." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he one's self under obligations.' than to us. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the do.' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it she to prove their authenticity?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. really the only notable feature about the thing." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door upon the shelf for the interim." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'Then let me do so?' bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Your sister is dead, then?" tied." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes not fit the lock." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a eat it." "'As governess?' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got narrative." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind congenial hunt. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "You are all wrong." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A our word." "I cannot tell." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. them?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "There are none." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I have a cab outside." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She quick march!" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we evidence," I remarked. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to have been novel and of interest." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her details." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Yesterday." very morning of my second wedding." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "None." any little problem which you may submit to me." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and unprecedented a position." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I came to find a friend." how narrow had been my escape. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence."