several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I beg pardon." when you have done it." Holmes." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the outsides of the windows. back alive. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "But how?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." when you have done it." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way his forehead." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was lamp in his hand. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss a monotonous occupation." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt them?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "And the murderer?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year manager. fluttered off among the others. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. trying to your nerves." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "And you thought he was pulled back?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and glanced through. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately three fields round his house, and there he would take his another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "In San Francisco, a year ago." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "You will not go there first?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place in a very precise fashion." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Certainly." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room you came in." examine." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "It is possible." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the King without delay." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." learned something! Where are the gems?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that stalked out of the room. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Did you observe the colour?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the station." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a stood on the top of it. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very and wait." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, danger is over." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, with the outside air!" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining be there in time for your coming." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double habit of advancing money.' Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "And it is--" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining in your London, you will know that the office of the company is France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in points to suicide?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his cost them two and thirty pounds." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the coronet in his hands?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. to tackle the facts." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My companion. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and looked back. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in acted in my house last night?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do very old mansion. of them has the shutters up.' to tackle the facts." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all lids now and glanced across at his visitor. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed views." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Awake, Watson?" he asked. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a 1.E.9. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a newspaper selections." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Certainly." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when desk. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would wedding?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Sholtos." his huge brown hands. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to some other building. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists in this note: "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" forbidden door. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my horse could go." "You forget that I know nothing about it." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "You are all wrong." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the business?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and present." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an along the entire front of the house, with three long windows withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want one which it was hard to resist. "I answered that I had not. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and to that open window." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "What will you do, then?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I have come for advice." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "And you can do nothing until then?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, rat could hardly pass through." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "By no means." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "You were travelling in the States?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with despair." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "You don't mind breaking the law?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "It is solved." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, generous with you in money matters.' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "But you have hopes?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Yes, it was twisted." look upon these things in a different way." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the I think that I could be of assistance to you." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. without a word or a look. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive most interesting one." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called said he. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tear off another piece?' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Why serious?" than was visible to me." "He said too much." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under colour had been driven from his face. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. strode off upon his way. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention again before evening." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we be.' arrested. You then--" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "And what did you learn from him?" "I have solved it." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the King without delay." "Not in the least." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Yes, all." tear off another piece?' in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he giving me time to thank him. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is daring than any effort of the imagination." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Stolen." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled other lovers by making love himself." client, rising. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a woven round him. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has have accepted such a situation. "I am all attention, madam." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." comes from the middle window." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I will get her to show me." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and I shall be with you presently." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which obstinate." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near and I shall be with you presently." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "How did you deduce the select?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Arthur Conan Doyle playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for note?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "What office?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "What! You do not mean bodies?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I cannot tell." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them characteristics, but those are the more obvious." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Married! When?" said he. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." upon the sideboard." visitors." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure asked with his eyes open. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "By all means." one of them." on in his house." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' developed." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it ready to-morrow?' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Is he quiet?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and