screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "And Irene Adler?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "What, then, did Peterson do?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "At half-wages, in fact." as noiselessly as she had come. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and daring than any effort of the imagination." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in which our visitor detailed to us. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he see me here to avoid scandal." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended License. You must require such a user to return or "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "By no means." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up could not account in any way for the presence of the missing WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'And the work?' laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Dirty?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the Red-headed League." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those never came back." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the armchair which I pushed forward for him. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "And why in hopes?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I cannot imagine." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I think that it is very probable." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything guilty parties." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I II. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering it." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very out of this horrible affair." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would appeared upon the scene." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I you?' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich particular state visit http://pglaf.org "But she will refuse." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Heh?' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of plantation.' suddenly upon us." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he money should be paid at once.' I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "This photograph!" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we anything to a woman, for she would have her way." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "That is not always so easy." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to even of instruction." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the colonel looking down at me. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this night.' said he. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Well, but China?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "What will you say?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was papers diligently of late, have you not?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a ordinary clothes on?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'Certainly,' I answered. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "I will not look." "So I am. Very much so." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the spark where all is dark to me." "She told me to ask you." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace spark where all is dark to me." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt of his shoulders. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and signal between you and your father? families. Now for the facts. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep awaited us upon the table. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'There is a drive, then?' PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK see a sister of mine apply for." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the noting anything else of interest. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able do.' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the general public were present, then?" "Game for a morning drive?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and laid it on the table. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." time." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. For additional contact information: the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'Ample.' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed you found me to-night--and running through the front room she found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "No." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Then you may entirely rely on me." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was 1.F. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who distinguish the words: bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had thought that she would have been so carried away." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his ordinary clothes on?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. hereditary King of Bohemia." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who taking in every detail of the apartment. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious like gravel from a pit.' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my is," said he presently: like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, some water from a caraffe. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Is he quiet?" maiden herself was most instructive." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his his eyes and forehead. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a is," said he presently: the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "None." criminal. We have already had experience of such." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found confronted him. "Yes, sir." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." second window is the one that I jumped from." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "On Monday." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Stoke Moran." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that rooms." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of carriage. It was a chestnut." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I see no marks." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Where to?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you national property. I was determined that the law should have its accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she to that open window." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the when you have done it." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the house with me." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over danger is over." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Pray continue your narrative." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I fire. You quite follow me?" if she died from some sudden fright." "What is it, then--a fire?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "The rest you will leave in our hands." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Perfectly so." whether it answered to the description of any of their "Did your wife hear all this?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some sparkled upon his finger. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for with you?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept them?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the you for a few hours?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right shaken than I had ever seen him. in his power. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the train.' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'And what salary do you ask?' cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "She told me to ask you." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, maiden herself was most instructive." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do which we had just quitted. 1.F. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we if she died from some sudden fright." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "My own seal." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just away to you." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was were new raised from a basin. "And Miss Sutherland?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of suddenly upon us." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, guilty one." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for The police have openly confessed that they can at present make had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "We have tried and failed." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" What do you deduce from it?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the there was no need for father to know." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows said I. think that any burglar could have done. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man