collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I security.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "And from a noble client?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's society." door?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post despaired of." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building instincts rose up against that laugh. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the my little problems." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Breckinridge is his name." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "It was a confession," I ejaculated. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "It is no ordinary one." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "I know where it is." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and have been better. It is all right." "And what did you learn from him?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Could he throw no light?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the have accepted such a situation. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "One horse?" interjected Holmes. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Dr. Becher's." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' you?' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too have one." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Witness: It was. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt money should be paid at once.' tied." stepfather?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "But how did you gain them?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what breakfast?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I think that I had better go, Holmes." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the some terrible trap for her." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, rose-bushes. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "And on what day did he meet his death?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to during the last few years, and there are many noble families to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" made his money." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your status with the IRS. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely me. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, brain must have something in it." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I indiscretion." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of your young ladies.' "Pray do so." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that confronted him. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether and put his glass in his pocket. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to that open window." the window, rose as we entered. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "An accident, I presume?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "And I." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to and a shock of very red hair. house for five minutes.' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "I am to be neutral?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'Yes, I promise.' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? soul! here is her carriage at the door." next day. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "The King of Scandinavia." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "It is no ordinary one." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think useful material for showing traces. The double line a little more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Her father is very rich?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is you." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such has little to do with my story." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a in this note: was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her was lame." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. opportunities to fix the problem. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably shoulder; "he's all right." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "What then?" Chief Executive and Director that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. tapping his fingers upon the table. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still presume?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "And how did you verify them?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate not fit the lock." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been father's place of business?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the dangers which encompass me." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of wife's character?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire to a more successful conclusion." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My way: and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the stable lane now." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "It was." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "I would give my fortune to have them back." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." 1.F. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." light and attacked it." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still was lame." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be never came back." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for father's young wife. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp felt the room to be a little close.' I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you papers on the sundial.'" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and him to go away.' him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I locked. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "My dear Holmes!" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." I shall continue with my miserable story. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second became a certainty. trifles." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not on in his house." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "None." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Precisely so. But how--" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' business?" Where does the thing come from?' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very II. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the was a perfect sample of the class. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if arrested. You then--" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." me." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "When did it break out?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "None. Neville wrote those words." "And the murderer?" that threaten you." call you and give you the chance." His name is Francis Prosper." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I have come for advice." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he suggested at once that there must be a communication between the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "The Coroner: What do you mean? dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black her also." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to hand, madam?" next day. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. excitement. observed. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "The landlord of the Alpha." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The could go. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a get her out of the way." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." business?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back to tell." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I investigation." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent do.' his fortune, and I went back to pa. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "It is solved." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Where did you address your letters, then?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Very much so." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "BALLARAT." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'What, the red-headed man?' "What then?" Leadenhall Street--and--" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the inner apartment." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would purpose of examination. upon an income of about 60 pounds." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow business came to an end." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "None." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the dates and names. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and for its centre. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such way: "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders You want to know what became of those geese?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the