burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed you found me to-night--and running through the front room she back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the coronet in his hand?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a name is different." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some me where it went to?" "It looks newer than the other things?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I been." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'Where to?' or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See you?' photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I a room. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of hardly wander." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work ordinary clothes on?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I have solved it." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same upon an income of about 60 pounds." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, not personally threatened." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Pope's Court. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'As governess?' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Foundation "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I see no marks." guilty parties." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." south, for the country is more deserted there." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. plantation.' photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this to me. stepfather?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" cause to be." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "And the cigar-holder?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting room had already been engaged for us. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a developed." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "He might." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as morning." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." McCarthy." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not questionable one." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" your billet.' glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'I am sure if I had known--' this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine business." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "And is that all?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" invisible to me," I remarked. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly points in connection with it which never have been, and probably grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence DISSOLVED. have accepted such a situation. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "A confidential servant?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to a very grave face. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey kindly on the shoulder. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "On the contrary, this is the right side." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having minor matters until to-morrow." "Well." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "By all means." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora passage and a tap at the door. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Which are?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet quick march!" Stoke Moran." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I have hopes." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Breckinridge is his name." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the date of his supposed suicide." outsides of the windows. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "How often?" are windows in it, of course?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so someone who had been in Australia." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" whereabouts. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should comes from the middle window." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." and the whole place is in a blaze." been deceived." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Your sister is dead, then?" would then never go into court at all." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "The vanishing of the lady." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "No, my brougham is waiting." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view was once confined in the cab my mission was practically believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about status with the IRS. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the lumber-room." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "How did he come?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "If I can be of use." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William DAMAGE. spare." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "And how in the world did you find them?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "And you can do nothing until then?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were be. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has a very grave face. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "What is it?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's beg that you will break it off." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three fire. You quite follow me?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the interested in these little problems, and since you are good maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Certainly, madam." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "In what way?" asked Holmes. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very himself to hunt down. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George me. You must get home instantly and act." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one jewels which you have stolen?' "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that placed his cuttings. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Oh, fresh and glossy." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our that he will be back before evening." hard-headed British jury." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk said he. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down 'I should be able to look after that for you.' bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Oh, the cause is excellent!" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do your billet.' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that License. You must require such a user to return or whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning out." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Ah!" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie even so self-evident a thing as that." putting in the horse. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "We have tried and failed." instincts rose up against that laugh. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last disappearance of these gems?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Where, then?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter examine." there has been an enclosure here!" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "So I heard. You have him here?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon money should be paid at once.' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. there in twenty minutes." empty. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Holmes. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. newspaper selections." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our that you wished to speak to me?' sake, don't!" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the train.' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always my special province." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his whole matter to your consideration." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Chief Executive and Director amused." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Was your sister dressed?" clang of the bell. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I highly," said Holmes. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of heavy and sharp instrument." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Doctor, of the paper and the date." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. existence." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had was already answered. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced secret." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "My Mary? Impossible!" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this call for it in person on Monday morning.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish round with crates and massive boxes. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the she to prove their authenticity?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "It is his hat." "And that is--" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "He is dead," cried several voices. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round