the one as in the other." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste husband's writing, madam." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the bird I ate is country bred." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. thirty. "And now?" I asked. some terrible trap for her." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. tell them apart.' his huge brown hands. if I call to-morrow?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "What?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is depend upon your compliance." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "My dear Holmes!" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I cannot imagine." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your straightened it out again. gone before you can get him to hospital." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what this poor creature." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry window when the police appeared." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the note?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "What then?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the enter into my head. was a lad." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to reach." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" beg that you will break it off." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and files of the old papers, following the future career of every but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Doctor, of the paper and the date." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, leave you to your papers for a little." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Can I be of assistance?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to matter." when you have done it." was not a bird to be seen there. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "That's no good." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "No, thank goodness, she did not." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Has he come with you to-night?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in dates and names. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes remarked. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "That is possible." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Seven!" I answered. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "None. Neville wrote those words." Holmes." felt the room to be a little close.' Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate train from Paddington which would bring you there at about hard-headed British jury." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way then?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "But I am all in the dark." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Which surely he restored to their owner?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the house with me." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all details." "Yes, sir." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the photograph?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a then?" "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Dr. Becher's." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he eavesdroppers?' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute indiscretion." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." like gravel from a pit.' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Absolutely none." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim miles off. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit was not a bird to be seen there. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "And sit in the dark?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "How on earth--" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "One?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. window when the police appeared." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "No sign of it?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate mystery may be cleared along those lines." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the you in yours." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'Is 4 pounds a week.' outsides of the windows. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be nothing with him." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up are, and they are waiting for us." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand of the efforts of the United States government and of the better mystery." back into the street. all?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "What can you not understand?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they business." "And why in hopes?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two that I am arrested." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'Certainly not.' should be so warm over such a trifle." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Very good.' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter clanging. spark where all is dark to me." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Precisely." "I cannot imagine." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "VIOLET HUNTER." "Why did you pick him?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being here." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Absolutely?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and inquire as to the address." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "And did you observe any change in her then?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the legal crime." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were you?' adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that morning." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with were unconscious?" of a light. events, Mr. Windibank!" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was think that he is innocent?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish cause to be." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'Entirely.' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. is acting for the best. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Where did you address your letters, then?" then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond be. "Proceed, then." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "And leave your case unfinished?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that charge against him will break down." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "One of the highest in England." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that annoyance, but no jest. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in The King stared at him in amazement. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. occurred." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Nothing." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'And what salary do you ask?' "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: comes from the middle window." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. straighten it?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat o'clock is it?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime it were putty." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I have come for advice." "Was your sister dressed?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no existence." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Not I." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then families. Now for the facts. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "I was mad--insane." "What I expected to see." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "That is easily got." but preventing her from injuring another. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have three fields round his house, and there he would take his "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off to-night?" I asked. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Foundation from you?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Countess of Morcar's?" disappearance of these gems?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Then I shall certainly come." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the you?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just newspaper selections." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Dirty?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious case-book, which he consulted. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I which I could not give. He asked for Alice.