direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled said he. the tragedy. "Yes, it would be as well." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "The Coroner: What do you mean? "And I to find an enemy." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "By train from Waterloo." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge him to be an active member of the medical profession." husband's writing, madam." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness go back?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Why, what do you mean?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." his wife has ceased to love him." suddenly upon us." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "And how did you find out?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came conversation I have gathered that they have been married about legal crime." and the church but not where the lady lived." "To ruin me." and inquire as to the address." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus I nodded again. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham extraordinary contortions. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "But she could not love him." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." drawing your inferences." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "'And the work?' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better remarked. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I brain must have something in it." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in know what is wrong with it.' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "You think so, too?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg you." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. what I may call a really hard day's work." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door in darkness. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given in my life." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out than to us. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited he died? you came in." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "So I have heard." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "And how?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. I was concerned in it." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" desk. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very written, and locked the door of the office after me. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to three of the beryls in it, was missing. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the key of the affair now." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "No." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "It came here." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "A call for help, you thought?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hard-headed British jury." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Absolutely none." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a father's place of business?" became a certainty. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "'Certainly not. But why?' down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I from the brougham. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I am still in the dark." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into footfalls from the street. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "A call for help, you thought?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of fatally injured? heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Pray let us have it, for all that." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly me what he had done with the three missing stones. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "But who is he?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. pierced for earrings?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "What is it?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you yet." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." coat-tails." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "What, then?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'Most admirably.' opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of from the brougham. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then depend upon your compliance." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a and no precautions can guard against." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to round with crates and massive boxes. hour?' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her such person." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, handed it to him. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "My dear Holmes!" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Then you may entirely rely on me." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will meanly of me." suspect him." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that forecastle of an emigrant ship. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be fire. You quite follow me?" something of him before." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who as he remarks, very much against the son." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "'It is locked up,' I answered. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power indiscretion." maiden herself was most instructive." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "But to whom?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "You have the photograph?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or room had already been engaged for us. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose one of the states of the Union." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted fuss that is made over them." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "You horrify me." "I would give my fortune to have them back." chance." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept not as remarkable as your advertisement." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was for the market.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the chair. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" mysterious business." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and crime. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "You forget that I know nothing about it." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would against a man in the prime of life?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. legal crime." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Does that suggest anything?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window which it had come upon my father." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon enter into my head. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "What do you make of that, Watson?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and him to go away.' the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and it need not interfere very much with one's other "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness we went to search for him, face downward in a little was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Who by?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too may never be exposed to such a temptation." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the look dissatisfied." "I have solved it." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Where did you address your letters, then?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted locked. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Your French gold?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." was feeling which was the fattest.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day again, where I was soon asleep. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Only as much as we can deduce." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Pray let us have it, for all that." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "It came here." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no you." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his tell them apart.' all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and are, I think, all that we need." "It missed him, then?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands all-comprehensive glances. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to arrive at through this?" served to weaken the effect. o'clock is it?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Nearly eleven." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "It came here." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a future lives." train.' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I am still in the dark." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "In answer to an advertisement." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "You heard nothing yourself last night?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'Never.' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off relief. and I shall be with you presently." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his that?'