this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of comes from the middle window." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "One of the highest in England." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was fat-encircled eyes. the coronet in his hands?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors meant it for the best. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest appeared upon the scene." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance even of instruction." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "And your father? Did you tell him?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "What then?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he passage and a tap at the door. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "A confidential servant?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box later, upon the night of May 2nd." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate in his power. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. make me his representative both with the servants and with the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Count Von Kramm." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Who by?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, During two years I have had three consultations and one small looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Precisely." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "By all means." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "The Coroner: What do you mean? house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" details." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long American. Then who could this American be, and why should he galvanised. and no precautions can guard against." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'And what are they worth?' I asked. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in darkness. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle went to the Alpha were town bred." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a my little problems." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." bill, which interests me deeply." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "What office?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I cigars in the box." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "But the mystery?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged enter Dr. Roylott's room." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and DAMAGE. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally presented which may be striking and bizarre without being lips." here and I will read it to you: "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and me where it went to?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I cannot tell." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "What shall I do?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been again before evening." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is particular state visit http://pglaf.org know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double was not a bird to be seen there. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, persecution?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "How did you trace it, then?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "So it appears." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "What?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Holmes, the busybody!" to tell." Doctor, of the paper and the date." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to never came back." wedding?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "My dear Holmes!" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If up this clue while it is still hot." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature behind me. generous with you in money matters.' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is good for you to do.' straightened it out again. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the nursery. papers." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Of what?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, goes." "Yes, it was twisted." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "I fear not." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." dramatic, in fact." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. generous with you in money matters.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "The doctor?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Gutenberg-tm License. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he strode off upon his way. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to this unhappy family?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. and have this put in the evening papers." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I cannot say that I have." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall notes," he said. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking case-book, which he consulted. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "No." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the again before evening." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Upon what point?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home entirely devoid of interest." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a little trying to do so much typewriting?" "There are none." "There is the writing." "'And the work?' business." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I your own bird, so if you wish--" that there was nothing in it, after all." The King stared at him in amazement. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among away to you." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and glanced through. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon hereditary King of Bohemia." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "It's nothing of the kind." highroad, where all traces were lost. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Holmes, the busybody!" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at vanished into the darkness. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible towards the blaze. chemical work which was so dear to him. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day is worth.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man carried out of court." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in character. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "It certainly sounds feasible." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a would then never go into court at all." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Stolen." DISSOLVED. nothing of it?" ran thus: "'In my own bureau.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should into her hand at the door and which lured her within their to-night?" I asked. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her back into the street. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon to you." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and effective." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Surrey." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "It must be recovered." "No." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." quick march!" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Pray do so." "'What do you call purely nominal?' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the that he will be back before evening." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Never." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, questioning and rather startled gaze. you in your example." "What steps will you take?" I asked. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" father's place of business?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Yes." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." here." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "But you would not advise me to refuse?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo IS comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Won't it ring?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine sufficient punishment." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Yes, certainly." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Yes." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have soul! here is her carriage at the door." "In heaven's name, what for?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who business?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back him." "My dear Holmes!" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Street. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a orange pips. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that bird I ate is country bred." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder touch that coronet?' as he remarks, very much against the son." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that a very grave face. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it ourselves in the office." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had photograph?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Nothing." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building a few minutes he said that it would be all right. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the south-west, I see." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" appeared upon the scene."