two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "By all means." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." not as remarkable as your advertisement." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Yes." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Lee, in the county of Kent." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice in the dead of the night?' "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see approach us with offers to donate. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy delighted to hear it," he said. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and coroner's jury." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Proceed, then." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me started for the Temple to see my husband. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Well, it is a possible supposition." "It certainly sounds feasible." done what I asked you, Jones?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "No. His orders were to stay in the house." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I depend upon my doing so.' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the dangers which encompass me." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I started for the Temple to see my husband. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a problems help me to do so." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the one as in the other." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "No." maiden herself was most instructive." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Absolutely?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That I leave." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They lost nothing by them." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated distinguish the words: have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, into the bag, and made for the door. of the one which your family is now devouring." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in towards the blaze. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'Then let me do so?' we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for hopeless attempt at recovering them." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked had formerly been in part my own. he. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "But what will you do?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "But he might be a bachelor." as the one I chose?' Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'What do you call purely nominal?' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Pool. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Countess of Morcar's?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "My last client of the sort was a king." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found direction." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "But his lameness?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and laid it on the table. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. and looked back. "Thank you. And your address?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, and wait." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "And for present expenses?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for one's self under obligations.' "What!" he roared. returning from some small jollification and was making his way acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper I nodded again. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time bird of prey. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and there is a decided draught." you." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Not him." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present are, I think, all that we need." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "So I am. Very much so." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and night.' said he. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and looked back. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the coronet in his hand?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "But he might be a bachelor." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and thought that she would have been so carried away." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he evidence," I remarked. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my despair." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which orange pips. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It were unconscious?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the success. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the date of his supposed suicide." "'How far from the body?' late." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "No good news?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the roots. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I promise," said Holmes. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "But you can know nothing of this?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little upon an income of about 60 pounds." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all up this clue while it is still hot." death." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "My dear Holmes!" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "The Cedars?" matter." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he tied." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You have carte blanche." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in and put his glass in his pocket. and have this put in the evening papers." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did was shining brightly. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely interest. They are important, you understand, without being arrangements." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my were new raised from a basin. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'Which dealer's?' although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "You saw the ventilator, too?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the empty. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: public press." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. anything to do with the matter?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us posted to-day." "By all means." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now believe that I should never have any practice at all. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "And the cigar-holder?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for certainly do as you advise." that I am arrested." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had figure." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here have accepted such a situation. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover in darkness. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth gigantic client. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his following enigmatical notices: corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Why serious?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as of." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray your own bird, so if you wish--" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, here and I will read it to you: "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk late." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your fattened it expressly for you.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your through." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "What of the rat, then?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb of the efforts of the United States government and of the better three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when footfalls from the street. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed mysterious end." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "But she could not love him." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "In the cells." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever unclasping of his long thin hands. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the less than 26s. 4d. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "But who is he?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an to surprise her." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "And why?" "'In my own bureau.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "You saw the ventilator, too?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had of them has the shutters up.' destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Pope's Court. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The knees of his trousers." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the gone. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view papers must be those that are destroyed.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Thank you. And your address?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If extraordinary contortions. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Upon what point?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip in the port of London." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Miss Holder?" what these perils are?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his room?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' about. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking suddenly upon us." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." habit of advancing money.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing trifles." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the nice household for a young lady." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; events than those which have happened in my own family." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some words came to my lips. "'Yes, it was gone.' "I beg pardon." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your sneer upon his pale face. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I am sure." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother business." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of