silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up God! What an exposure! What can I do?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you detained." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" she might be summoned. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the until night should bring an explanation. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each that he will be back before evening." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can present." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" families. Now for the facts. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the think that any burglar could have done. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical or in danger--" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second thin, with a long, sharp nose?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really were unconscious?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but very peculiar words of the dying woman?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Not particularly." she might be summoned. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Of Friday, June 19th." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. DAMAGE. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation photograph?" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend be there in time for your coming." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of dates and names. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "What do you mean?" the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "My private note-paper." "'You cannot say what it was?' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "You have but to name it." "Stoke Moran?" said he. my former friend and companion. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to front of me. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to directly by questioning you." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which affection." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of fasten all the windows?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Your presence might be invaluable." unclasping of his long thin hands. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way it." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. there is a decided draught." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for This is what he says: arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Whose house is it?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of a light. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I came to find a friend." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which to that open window." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "His face fell immediately. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you there has been an enclosure here!" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither think, you have already met." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if happened." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. own family. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on there has been an enclosure here!" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "It is no ordinary one." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Farm upon the left." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if that, and I came down." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Was the window open?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "We have tried and failed." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me child?' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it was feeling which was the fattest.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." is," said he presently: been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the address that was given us in the advertisement. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus do.' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I have seen the police." mysterious end." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her to a light-house. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I papers diligently of late, have you not?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. an introduction to him?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch it were putty." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and see me here to avoid scandal." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I your room." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right for securing the situation." "I am to be neutral?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal get her out of the way." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there floor. "And why in hopes?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But you in yours." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "What can you not understand?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her will find little credit to be gained out of this case." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the matter?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to John Swain, of St. Augustine. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is sufficient punishment." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Do you go out much in society?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of the efforts of the United States government and of the better glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is have established a very serious case against the son of the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy case-book, which he consulted. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your be best to do. "I was mad--insane." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'There is a drive, then?' "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which status with the IRS. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an arrangements." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "The knees of his trousers." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk views." following enigmatical notices: habit of advancing money.' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She his knees, staring into the fire. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Not in a good cause." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of arrangements." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very it right.' lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" window when the police appeared." there has been an enclosure here!" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or dramatic, in fact." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed depend upon your compliance." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "What! a murderous attack?" them present such singular features as the strange train of see me here to avoid scandal." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. my room." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. strode off upon his way. as he remarks, very much against the son." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "And it is--" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as will be renamed. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and capable of preserving a secret.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "What do you make of that, Watson?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, conceal it?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to could not have written that. It is the German who is so my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you handed it to him. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad into her hand at the door and which lured her within their confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "But we can't all be." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the the coronet in his hand?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "One of his hands." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her matters immensely." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand quite distinctive." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. visitors." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you more solid." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his this man was intellectual?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "What then?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, shoulder; "he's all right." "My dear Holmes!" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' in him." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Whose house is it?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. this man was intellectual?" less than 26s. 4d. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "But the mystery?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." companion imperturbably. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you do.' unkempt, staring out at me. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "By all means." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I see many objections to any such theory." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "I am still in the dark." "No good news?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me be sorry for having acted so harshly." remarked. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." his eyes and forehead. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Yes." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may