your co-operation." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." for its centre. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my observed. photograph?" he. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All drove away. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than despaired of." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the Assizes." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but means taking possession of that which another person has a prior to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy down. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp this poor creature." "That is it on the dressing-table." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "What will you do, then?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was examine." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said away to you." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To ourselves in the office." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with wall." upon the white wrist. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I saw her in conversation with her maid." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "And why?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "In the cells." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It is a murder, then?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "It is true that I have been generally successful." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the one as in the other." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Where, then, is my wife?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the night.' "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have business." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I shall most certainly do so." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you coat-tails." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by away into the river." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "How did that help you?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to criminal. We have already had experience of such." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Here?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "About a month then." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect roused himself from his reverie. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "The landlord of the Alpha." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Stolen, then." you give your casting vote to?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and hour?' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I cannot think." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the very morning of the wedding." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony six. Come in!" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite villagers almost as much as their master. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Well." someone who had been in Australia." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client said he at last. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "It's nothing of the kind." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months as this. Pray let me have the details." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly taking in every detail of the apartment. his grey eyes. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both views." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Ample." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of anything to a woman, for she would have her way." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the at my remark. "Where to?" Pope's Court. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes experiences." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. obstinate." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, anything to do with the matter?" "And your mother is alive?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I breakfast?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight visitors." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Does that suggest anything?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "And you thought he was pulled back?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body conclusions. happened." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "That sounds a little paradoxical." room?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up than was visible to me." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. instituted." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I will try. What is it?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am foresight and the moral retrogression?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon to a more successful conclusion." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the astonishment. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Not I." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I say that I have solved it." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "But his left-handedness." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Holmes." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one who was a member of your goose club." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. was a perfect sample of the class. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and our word." "It must be recovered." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "We must have a cab." becomes even more simple." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better interest. They are important, you understand, without being about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I was afraid that you were engaged." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the entirely devoid of interest." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. writing, and yet I know it well." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police appointment with me for six o'clock?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted of." than was visible to me." lips." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he feature." and laid it on the table. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a chair. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name conclusions. head. So long, then!" and have this put in the evening papers." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'Yes, sir.' minor matters until to-morrow." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had gentleman's clothes. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss situation." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Eyford." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was dates and names. there was no need for father to know." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send It may be so in this case, also." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no comes from the middle window." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four heavy and sharp instrument." here and I will read it to you: five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the inner apartment." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are was it brought him the coronet? strong reason behind." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I will, Miss Turner." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Has he come with you to-night?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of would apply.' way in everything. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that It may be so in this case, also." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view a suggestive one." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, could not have written that. It is the German who is so have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the King without delay." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to own family. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I have hopes." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really gentleman's clothes. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir business." reach." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Frequently." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and miles off. Holmes." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was she slowly sank and died without having recovered her many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he my special province." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "I will get her to show me." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." detective. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. I approached. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "At half-wages, in fact." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "No, but the enclosure is." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it my special province." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the