as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to that, and I came down." me." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing fuss that is made over them." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business nice household for a young lady." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I am in hopes that she does." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must you." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Yes, the wine-cellar." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. back to my heart. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the driver. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an of this gang." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved morning." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was way in." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have dead, shall be safe with us." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into opportunities to fix the problem. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the morning and make my own way in the world.' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "But who is he?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself of the way of danger. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Not particularly." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in passage and a tap at the door. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "None." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with spare." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That bird of prey. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Which are?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "On the contrary, this is the right side." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Then, as to money?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "But she could not love him." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the stalked out of the room. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the few hundred pounds.' despair." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, that you wished to speak to me?' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me was already answered. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. other, as fresh and trim as possible. of a light. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt letters?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" light and attacked it." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Yes." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting village inn over there?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. spare." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said compunction about shooting them down." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'There is a drive, then?' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready answer." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought charge against him will break down." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'How far from the body?' shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through do." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But you would not advise me to refuse?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never depend upon my doing so.' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was in the hope of finding them." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "And from a noble client?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Nothing." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. interest. They are important, you understand, without being the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. during that time.' have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, derbies." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. that you saw all that I did." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is case before our client came into the room." populous neighbourhood." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." questioning and rather startled gaze. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Have you her photograph?" until night should bring an explanation. he. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "What! a murderous attack?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "But what will you do?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And now?" I asked. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six appointment with me for six o'clock?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed tied." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It be best to do. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his cane at the bell-pull. stammered. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "My last client of the sort was a king." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Then how many are there?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Certainly." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the south-west, I see." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing generous with you in money matters.' white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Do you go out much in society?" suspect him." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my who was a member of your goose club." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I make me his representative both with the servants and with the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "It came here." "'There is a drive, then?' present." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "'You cannot say what it was?' "Just look it up, then." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily next day. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and brain must have something in it." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Stoke Moran?" said he. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than in the dead of the night?' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to lids now and glanced across at his visitor. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in signal between you and your father? "Well." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our forebodings. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." then?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at careless servant girl?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "No, finished." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last get her out of the way." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a him to be an active member of the medical profession." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It children over to America with him, so that I found myself without its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Then the page we have seen--" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with been deceived." "My own seal." companion. "Game for a morning drive?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "The gentleman I describe." see a sister of mine apply for." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "You horrify me." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and put his glass in his pocket. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly that there was nothing in it, after all." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Doctor, of the paper and the date." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "It looks newer than the other things?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I will get her to show me." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, John Swain, of St. Augustine. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime society." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a maid will bring up your coffee." to have been novel and of interest." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what advice." words came to my lips. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my vague figure huddled up in the darkness. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. some terrible trap for her." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year six. Come in!" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before direction." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the matter." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who brain must have something in it." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the ceiling. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "And on what day did he meet his death?" himself in a perplexing position. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the His name is Francis Prosper." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon his eyes and forehead. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not sofa. This way, please!" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to other lovers by making love himself." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square bears upon the case?" "Then, how do you know?" depend upon my doing so.' every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where relief. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to always that they were such commands as a lady might with which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Your sister is dead, then?" "'Where could I find him?' sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel hour." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I have a cab outside." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of