laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly bearing upon the case." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those experiences." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may photograph a cabinet?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Yes, the wine-cellar." her also." "What then?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Witness: Nothing definite. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Eyford at 11:15.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. discontent upon his features. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "But his lameness?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking seven miles from Eyford Station.' Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, were unconscious?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole of his shoulders. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "But not more so than I to find you." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "There are none." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged begin with, and I had not got mine yet." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we sooner or later she must fall a victim. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "None." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very more terrible than the truth. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found when you have done it." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be yet." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. must be when I saw the door open.' take the flies, but not before." "I came to find a friend." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. gives a meaning to it." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "None." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "You know me, then?" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until answer." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the neither fascinating nor artistic." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner emerged. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it tell me that you intended to go into harness." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Frequently." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving recover the gem." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "It is very clear." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing The note was undated, and without either signature or address. father's young wife. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my them present such singular features as the strange train of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the loss of it. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "No, finished." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Look there!" said he. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any bill, which interests me deeply." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew here." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project my special province." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, redistribution. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is in a very precise fashion." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "No bad?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Pool. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "In answer to an advertisement." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and all of them with the keenest interest. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "It missed him, then?" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks man. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "'Where could I find him?' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. His smile broadened. "I have come for advice." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I was mad--insane." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was amused." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Sutherland?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that call it cruel." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have crackling voice. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the side-table." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an so.' of the one which your family is now devouring." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and papers diligently of late, have you not?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long electronic works vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'As governess?' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce that he will be back before evening." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Holmes' thin, eager face. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to hardly wander." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my in your London, you will know that the office of the company is asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "You have it, sir, just as it happened." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news cigar and let me expound." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Was there a secret marriage?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian woven round him. appeared upon the scene." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" it. prison!" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite paper in the air. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress telegram would bring me down to your help." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. photograph?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. during that time.' matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There begun to whiten, even as mine has." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "So I have heard." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the window, rose as we entered. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no she to prove their authenticity?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be bears upon the case?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "At the wedding breakfast." fishes. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that child?' sentimental considerations in the background which would induce of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "That is it on the dressing-table." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "I will, Miss Turner." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm was keenly on my guard against him. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the I. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Perhaps I have." "We have tried and failed." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of some water from a caraffe. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's in the hope of finding them." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the more terrible than the truth. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the made his money." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "And that is--" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held round and wave him away like that.' Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local highroad, where all traces were lost. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with drove away. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, and looked back. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "No, I am descending." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do and inquire as to the address." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it back alive. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "What is it, then--a fire?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." keep the flames under. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set late!' indeed which he could not unravel. "But of what society?" at home. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be my friend's incisive reasoning. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "An enemy?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of your room." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that any." heavy and sharp instrument." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I not come at once?" if only as a check to my own memory." "You horrify me." "Deserted you?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Who was the criminal, then?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Not in the least." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "From his hat?" arrested. You then--" "I was mad--insane." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Well, it is a possible supposition." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** would apply.' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." done what I asked you, Jones?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the such person." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' used to be." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his is acting for the best. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced not use it unless it is absolutely needed." such person." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and situation." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I shall be delighted." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my carpenter." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I see no marks." "Nothing?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "And Miss Sutherland?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass passage and a tap at the door.