I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "A call for help, you thought?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. mystery!" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I later, upon the night of May 2nd." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I cannot tell." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to children over to America with him, so that I found myself without compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Yes, certainly." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the locked." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "What! You do not mean bodies?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one note?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Never to return." said I. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second you." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by asked. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "When did it break out?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the station." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a indeed which he could not unravel. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "But his left-handedness." you." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "My own seal." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "It was." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of entirely lost his self-respect." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "It surprised me." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "It is his hat." waste of energy." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or arrangements." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. as noiselessly as she had come. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? lectures into a series of tales." "Then what has happened to him?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" upon a handsome competence. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the that said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a his forehead." article?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "The Coroner: What do you mean? machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. yourselves in at night?" "'Yes, sir.' It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and wait." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "In the cells." you understand?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "By no means." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in opened a pocket-book and took out a note. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It about. "I will, Miss Turner." lamp in his hand. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but think that any burglar could have done. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very such person." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the not within a twentieth part of the market price." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "None." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." morning." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may allusion to a rat. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years him to go away.' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send into her hand at the door and which lured her within their footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus held up the lantern and gazed about him. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "So I have heard." "That you are never beaten." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout carried out of court." Edgeware Road. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at 'please.'" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and you." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap it." and the colonel ushered me in. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "In which, sir?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he within hail.' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as criminal. We have already had experience of such." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "You have compromised yourself seriously." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, ready to-morrow?' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, chambers. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event problems help me to do so." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I am following you closely," I answered. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. was used.' sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Of what?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into with you?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "But of what society?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than detained." people don't know." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as leave you to your papers for a little." your only hope of safety." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'Never.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey is a common subject for conversation. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "It is solved." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the of them has the shutters up.' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of way: "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying disappearance of the bride.'" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but be best to do. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again miles off. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Yes, the wine-cellar." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood I held the little printed slip to the light. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it six. Come in!" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare spare." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Why serious?" visitors." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." quick march!" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly off." presume?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I shall be delighted." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, child?' three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very already been minutely examined." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." of his shoulders. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he that you saw all that I did." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I am about to be married." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Ah, but I was recommended to you." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish as yours." into the bag, and made for the door. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I *** START: FULL LICENSE *** in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to when your master had gone out." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'What do you call purely nominal?' room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his with some details as to your case." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "No, I think that I'll take it." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. humiliation." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'Then let me do so?' the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two bears upon the case?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "That's no good." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then stammered. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Entirely." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, I nodded to show that I had heard. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the coroner's jury." in this note: nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little chemical work which was so dear to him. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds how narrow had been my escape. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw him. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Always." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the date of his supposed suicide." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the devil!" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one existence." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. may have an influence upon European history." carpenter." "How did he come?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to in one or two places in England?' "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. nonsense.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I and wait." voice. tear off another piece?' evidence," I remarked. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. might have a private word with us. closing the door. "And for present expenses?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "What do you make of that, Watson?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." words came to my lips. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "I was mad--insane." note?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "How are you getting on?" voice. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: His smile broadened. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when his knees, staring into the fire. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Did your wife hear all this?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the stable lane now." "On your arm?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Nor running a chance of arrest?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" sofa. This way, please!" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I