written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country appeal." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the congratulate you again." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "A client, then?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds from the brougham. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed if I call to-morrow?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by whereabouts. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very help us in this matter." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the night.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he there." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Do you go out much in society?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just suddenly upon us." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Was there a secret marriage?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. that there was nothing in it, after all." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Yes. He waved his hands." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the house with me." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three crime." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I do." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A learned something! Where are the gems?" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'Which dealer's?' last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "No. His orders were to stay in the house." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is enter Dr. Roylott's room." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for astonishment. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, there." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and other, as fresh and trim as possible. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by his eyes and forehead. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "There are none." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about something of him before." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "She walked into the breakfast-room." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive unprofitable." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very you." corner of the building. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "What is it, then--a fire?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the tragedy. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted fait accompli?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is call you and give you the chance." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Surrey." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Have you it here?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the matter?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary his grey eyes. "Yes." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I to Leatherhead. entirely devoid of interest." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Witness: Nothing definite. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to views." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few populous neighbourhood." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Leadenhall Street--and--" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "'About the same.' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "But you have hopes?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Yesterday." be best to do. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' weigh very heavily upon my conscience." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and or in danger--" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face careless servant girl?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project prison!" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against this unhappy family?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "She showed me, as I told you she would." kind enough to tell me what I should do." figure." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining mysterious end." was keenly on my guard against him. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the window, rose as we entered. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "From his hat?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." fasten all the windows?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his did not hear it also.' "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Stoke Moran?" said he. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Eh? What was that?" my former friend and companion. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "And what then?" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third my former friend and companion. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner here and I will read it to you: 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a business in the City. She little knew what. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with villagers almost as much as their master. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was garden below. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of some water from a caraffe. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of footfalls from the street. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Your sister is dead, then?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm round and wave him away like that.' I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And what did you learn from him?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I have come for advice." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning said he. for and were ordered to this address. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to tear off another piece?' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Precisely." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are must be when I saw the door open.' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you never came back." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "It certainly sounds feasible." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "No, distinctly professional." if I call to-morrow?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our kindly on the shoulder. "Yes." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one pierced for earrings?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical yet." down. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be in the hope of finding them." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Again Holmes raved in the air. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Where does the thing come from?' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Certainly, madam." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo eat it." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of side. little trying to do so much typewriting?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my I shall continue with my miserable story. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered points to suicide?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, said he at last. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "And from a noble client?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you salesman. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the coroner come to?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences delighted to hear it," he said. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have that threaten you." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black fluttered off among the others. "On your arm?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. matter over." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. mystery!" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which with some details as to your case." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "My Mary? Impossible!" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "My stepfather's business papers." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal good-night and bustled off upon her way. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'About the same.' we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret upon the shelf for the interim." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are that you can jump it.' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Get out!" said he. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this