all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the wall." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage works. See paragraph 1.E below. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and have this put in the evening papers." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." could not have written that. It is the German who is so servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible vague figure huddled up in the darkness. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "The Coroner: What do you mean? matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I will get her to show me." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or geese which you supplied to the Alpha." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "And leave your case unfinished?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should call for protection in the marriage market, for the present of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'Oh, no.' "Yes." "Nothing?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to Leatherhead. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell God! What an exposure! What can I do?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in was feeling which was the fattest.' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the enter Dr. Roylott's room." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study lamp in his hand. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Yes." "'Certainly,' I answered. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the one as in the other." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." tail." "But how will you look?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious had picked up in the wood. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "What!" he roared. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "So it appears." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly down. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "But what harm can there be in that?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to which are rolled in Rotterdam." anything to do with the matter?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, six. Come in!" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Murdered?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion begun to whiten, even as mine has." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" hardly wander." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty detective. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which approach us with offers to donate. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most of Fenchurch Street." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "He said too much." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was happened." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several excitement. during that time.' very old mansion. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Literary Archive Foundation me." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do without a word or a look. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to least a most suspicious remark." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "So I have heard." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round evidence," I remarked. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. are, and they are waiting for us." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless roused himself from his reverie. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Sutherland?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and in him." married her." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." meant." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice through." late." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable I held the little printed slip to the light. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to never will be, entirely cleared up. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Have you her photograph?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his minor matters until to-morrow." "How are you getting on?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "The Coroner: What do you mean? and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, little adventures." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the hurried by. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but very old mansion. "I cannot say that I have." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong McCarthy." into the bag, and made for the door. "Breckinridge is his name." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Never." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "She walked into the breakfast-room." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already said he. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Nearly eleven." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her returned to France?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the about. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still politicians who had been sent down from the North. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets see me here to avoid scandal." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "My dear Holmes!" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who business at Coburg Square is serious." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Edgeware Road. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little bled considerably." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. good for you to do.' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really your billet.' persecution?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are posted to-day." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "How are you getting on?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "And now?" I asked. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of both be extremely obliged.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I this poor creature." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the this remarkable episode. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "It is true that I have been generally successful." "And is that all?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, was a perfect sample of the class. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, point in the dark hollow of his hand. clang of the bell. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the looking up at the numbers of the houses." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Gutenberg-tm License. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror throat." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible down from London to inquire more deeply into it." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either License. You must require such a user to return or "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Yes, I have one waiting." there." was keenly on my guard against him. bill, which interests me deeply." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the very morning of the wedding." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. you, my dear young lady?' The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is chambers. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in charge against him will break down." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always said he. "If I can be of use." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all had formerly been in part my own. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "The doctor?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "That is not always so easy." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Tired-looking or fresh?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six figure." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a dates and names. address. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Then you may be so with me." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its security.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. train.' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this about. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Well?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. guilty parties." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the coronet in his hand?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" bled considerably." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the away to you." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had yourselves in at night?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Not social, then?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was dear old homesteads?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very matter over." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "No, I think that I'll take it." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." was used.' furiously. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Edgeware Road. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with do.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly name is different." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most have had none more fantastic than this." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with again." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the iron safe, which he closed upon it. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Holmes' thin, eager face. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his