1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." outsides of the windows. the bottom.' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he a few minutes he said that it would be all right. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Munro.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat and inquire as to the address." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Never." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "It certainly sounds feasible." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'In my own bureau.' always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "You were travelling in the States?" said he. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or more solid." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but conclusions. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "What I expected to see." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found certainly do as you advise." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and have I gained?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the unkempt, staring out at me. few hundred pounds.' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "What!" he roared. presented more singular features than that which was associated residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with should be so warm over such a trifle." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "No, but the enclosure is." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I again, where I was soon asleep. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. residence of the great financier. in a very precise fashion." conclusions. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet breakfast?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. reach." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "What shall I do?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Munro.' overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "But she will refuse." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I advice." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a companion. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Street. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong with the outside air!" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to McCarthy." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "And you can do nothing until then?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their think you a quite exceptional woman." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I promise," said Holmes. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to went to the Alpha were town bred." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. status with the IRS. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "She walked into the breakfast-room." and have this put in the evening papers." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "What, then, did Peterson do?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and no precautions can guard against." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use which I could not give. He asked for Alice. him nearly every evening." pressing in one house as in another. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he my little problems." "Yes." when your master had gone out." "How are you getting on?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Dirty?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the prisoner's face. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is you give your casting vote to?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after noble correspondent could be. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." must compliment you." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Texas, I think." could go. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the trying to your nerves." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "An enemy?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Holmes' thin, eager face. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. photograph?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'You cannot say what it was?' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which business at Coburg Square is serious." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." yet." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the been able to understand it, in a very few words. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was despaired of." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded up this clue while it is still hot." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Ample." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and down. disappearance of these gems?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of case before our client came into the room." Pool. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter you, my dear young lady?' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "What steps will you take?" I asked. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Upon what point?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood have I gained?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "None." humiliation." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every burst into a hearty fit of laughter. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite to affect your life." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "And help." your most interesting statement." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day fuss that is made over them." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur or other trace. But how on earth--" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was of your young ladies.' written. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that attention." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage against a man in the prime of life?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I think it very unlikely." tightly behind him. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "How often?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'And what salary do you ask?' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Well." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Young McCarthy must be got off, however." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "None." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present go--none." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "What!" he roared. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." The summons was a brief and urgent one. cost them two and thirty pounds." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an of." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their face and glided from the room. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." in him." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily I. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "It was a confession," I ejaculated. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father chill to my heart. "And is that all?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "But his lameness?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Ten will be early enough." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "No." not come at once?" situation." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and shall use the carriage to-night." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, four million human beings all jostling each other within the hard-headed British jury." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may works. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the felt the room to be a little close.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and unprecedented a position." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "But we can't all be." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I assure you that I am in your hands." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real became a certainty. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in with the outside air!" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the side-table." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. you for a few hours?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door chance at all." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be there is a decided draught." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "From his hat?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded your Highness to the police-station?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I she might be summoned. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Then the page we have seen--" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better now. It seems that there had been some informality about their room. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "A client, then?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as them, and came down just as you departed. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a