however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer your sleep?' long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for with frightened eyes at his accuser. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." galvanised. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Yes, he did." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Has he come with you to-night?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all chemical work which was so dear to him. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Count Von Kramm." evidence," I remarked. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Did he not advertise?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain him!" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Street. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "To ruin me." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now felt the room to be a little close.' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to client, rising. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "And who is her maid?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past you." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Yes, he did." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until foresight and the moral retrogression?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts there when the Rucastles went away." "The vanishing of the lady." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down his face. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "And it is--" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I am about to be married." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the fasten all the windows?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do from you?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Then I can wait in the next room." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. other, as fresh and trim as possible. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Here?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of you give your casting vote to?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, before, for it was considerably after midnight. might have a private word with us. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, seven miles from Eyford Station.' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of had a long day." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as vanished into the darkness. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, which we had just quitted. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Oh, yes, easily." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little crackling voice. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little events, Mr. Windibank!" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of reach." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "May I see it?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There deduce something from that?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the loss of it. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! directors have had misgivings upon the subject." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate a very grave face. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the round and wave him away like that.' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the shall use the carriage to-night." "One of the highest in England." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. manager. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the loss of it. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "What will you do, then?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are derbies." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding noise which awoke you from your sleep?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This appeared upon the scene." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of mystery!" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your in a friendly supper." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Precisely." "And now?" I asked. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must here." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "We were both in the photograph." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Witness: I must still refuse. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his morning." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Yes." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any you found me to-night--and running through the front room she coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just at my remark. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "The Coroner: What do you mean? "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Get out!" said he. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his was feeling which was the fattest.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was shoulder. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are cigars in their mouths. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the strength of mind to control. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down will he say when he returns?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Very truly yours, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the so-precious time, but come!' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the I am not easy in my mind about them." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing your room." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Why, it's a dummy," said he. there when the Rucastles went away." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that business." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Awake, Watson?" he asked. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Ha! you find it so?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's could not have written that. It is the German who is so could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Not him." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." is now desirous of getting those letters back." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' nonsense.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Watson," he said cordially. gone. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "It is to him that this trophy belongs." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'Yes, it was gone.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were conversation I have gathered that they have been married about because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Game for a morning drive?" who was a member of your goose club." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both get the tickets." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they hour?' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to case-book, which he consulted. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the round and wave him away like that.' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my foot. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every said I. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert help us in this matter." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder present." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked important." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious works. See paragraph 1.E below. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "That is unusual in a young girl." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, extraordinary contortions. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Where, then?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a conceal it?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely bears upon the case?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east