down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Very murderous indeed." main points of my analysis." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, criminal. We have already had experience of such." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Pope's Court. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily hour." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left all?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through followed. you?' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Well, but China?" prisoner's face. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "How did you deduce the select?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it country, and eventually married, without anyone having a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped as yours." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Pope's Court. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, became a certainty. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a stepfather?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. yet." wedding?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a already referred to. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the you?' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry infinite languor in his face. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman conduct the inquiry." "But his left-handedness." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were do you make of it all?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the delighted to hear it," he said. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened DAMAGE. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "The landlord of the Alpha." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses conduct the inquiry." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for do." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "How many? I don't know." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the devil!" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of you found me to-night--and running through the front room she desk. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab digesting their breakfasts at home." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, trying to your nerves." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall politicians who had been sent down from the North. "'Certainly not. But why?' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open my special province." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the ceiling. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "No bad?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his absorbing." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without long narrative. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very thought that she would have been so carried away." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her call it cruel." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess nothing with him." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There retorted upon me, and I on you." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, is acting for the best. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the driver. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This investigation." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Can I be of assistance?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Lee, in the county of Kent." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it and I shall be with you presently." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It was." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the have I gained?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the I took the paper from him and read as follows: his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very has little to do with my story." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he seem to you to be relevant or not." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to behind me. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "By no means." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small throat." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards dramatic, in fact." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "I think it very unlikely." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." that you wished to speak to me?' plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "'Never.' us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Your presence might be invaluable." Cross for the Continent." did not hear it also.' And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "And Miss Sutherland?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'I am sure if I had known--' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'And what are they worth?' I asked. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending chambers. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "What will you say?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. habit of advancing money.' details should find their way into the papers. Inspector light and attacked it." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they behind me. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to wanted for ourselves." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "What will you do, then?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." and glanced through. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will business." colonel looking down at me. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came was lame." next day. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in would apply.' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he desk. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "He disappeared so suddenly." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "He might." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Munro.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "So I heard. You have him here?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and copied or distributed: narrative." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "But you were on a friendly footing?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Serpentine Avenue. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "In the cells." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. lumber-room." his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap brandy and water within his reach. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too my former friend and companion. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." asked. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the bottom.' the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Always." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition how narrow had been my escape. papers must be those that are destroyed.' came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "'In my own bureau.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not really the only notable feature about the thing." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Very. But will he see it?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and I shall continue with my miserable story. about here speaks of his kindness to him." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new confronted him. DAMAGE. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs seen the man in the road." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Who by?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. But Holmes shook his head gravely. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Holmes' room. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried of the efforts of the United States government and of the better practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but strength." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be closely." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "And what did you see?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Where, then, is my wife?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Did he not advertise?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would morning." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his most important business. It is probable that he will be away all for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with intrusion of other matters." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should meant it for the best. residence of the great financier. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "And what did you learn from him?" Sutherland. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet detective. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly States. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come himself in a perplexing position. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, pictures, libraries, or plate. letters?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the outside." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I saw her in conversation with her maid." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come DAMAGE. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon secret." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear before, for it was considerably after midnight. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed arrangements." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has