door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, off." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Pray continue your narrative." "I cannot think." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had stood on the top of it. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this good for you to do.' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then you." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front to-night's adventure." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like brought there to personate someone, and the real person is chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and cause to be." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "But his lameness?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and were wasted." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their with the outside air!" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium cup of tea. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little have one." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered undoubtedly my uncle's." "Her father is very rich?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of corner of the building. certainly do as you advise." "Very truly yours, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of reach." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass gbnewby@pglaf.org "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "One of the highest in England." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "It is very kind of you." "Upon what point?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was lost his Christmas dinner." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I don't say that. Perhaps." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'You doubt its value?' he asked. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I would pay ten." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, must be when I saw the door open.' "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to intimate personal affairs in this public manner." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Perhaps I have." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." present." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush once more on the important position which you have been fortunate from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then felt the room to be a little close.' which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if which was all perfectly true. allusion to a rat. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had answered with a sidelong glance. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to to me. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a crime." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. business." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened back alive. Sutherland?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Pray let us have it, for all that." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm place no limit on the sum I may draw." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I should wish to." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of key turn in the lock." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, skylight. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for strange features which were associated with the two crimes which without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, chemical work which was so dear to him. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive was a perfect sample of the class. "What then?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, where she found matters as described by the last witness. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, on in his house." Munro.' laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the morning and make my own way in the world.' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of prepare for the new role I have to play." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." will he say when he returns?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in which our visitor detailed to us. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable crime." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. business matters.' to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me definite end. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated a suggestive one." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "How do you know, then?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed o'clock is it?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of mystery!" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to peculiar to him. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always carpenter." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high them present such singular features as the strange train of showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "'Is purely nominal.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would simple cases which are so extremely difficult." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to front of me. round with crates and massive boxes. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about in darkness. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Yes, sir." "Ten will be early enough." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, dear old homesteads?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'About the same.' thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical advice." "That was it, sir." "I think it very unlikely." him and tried to hold him back. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable carriage. It was a chestnut." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and place of silver." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. 1.E.9. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up out of this horrible affair." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Nor running a chance of arrest?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and all?" trying to your nerves." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of where we are going." dates and names. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in golden eyeglasses. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "10th. John Swain cleared. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for take the flies, but not before." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any past. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was where we are going." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in a few minutes he said that it would be all right. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for right! Sit down and let us talk it over." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Her father is very rich?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I am sure." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears what do you think they found in the pockets?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I have solved it." late." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was over here." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know whole matter to your consideration." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Now, then, what's the last entry?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Yesterday." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all burst into a hearty fit of laughter. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was and effective." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the little opening for the ventilator is." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'And the work?' can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side could go. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Eyford at 11:15.' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. what I may call a really hard day's work." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all astonishment. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing call you and give you the chance." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the morning and make my own way in the world.' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Chief Executive and Director round with crates and massive boxes. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running will not take me long to tell. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been is four-and-twenty." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, some city in a dream. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home room. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is and put his glass in his pocket. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and help us in this matter." tension within him. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his papers diligently of late, have you not?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Edgeware Road. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help your own bird, so if you wish--" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Stolen." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "But I have heard all that you have heard." "And when will you call?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon 1.F. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Yes, I have one waiting." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her prisoner's face. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "By no means." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' have an American origin." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and