door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Murdered?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. absorbing." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which sneer upon his pale face. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Of Friday, June 19th." again before evening." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss without a word or a look. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and think you a quite exceptional woman." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. late!' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me me." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. his knees, staring into the fire. "Never to return." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his in my life." "The knees of his trousers." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this interest. They are important, you understand, without being "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and putting in the horse. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed it." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "In which, sir?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'Yes, I promise.' fluttered off among the others. "I answered that I had not. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the think that any burglar could have done. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows what is your own theory as to what took place?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, to that open window." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an leaning back in his chair. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander because she had spent so short a time in this country that she He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "None. Neville wrote those words." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from you do it in twenty minutes!' companion. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate whereabouts. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "I am still in the dark." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the matter?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the that he has suffered." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't wife's character?" never came back." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I nodded to show that I had heard. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though goes." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Yes, all." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Then he might have called to you?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "You are all wrong." Pope's Court. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Yes, it was twisted." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "By no means." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." were unconscious?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the in the port of London." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. maiden herself was most instructive." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a to Leatherhead. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing have accepted such a situation. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. amused." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. placed his cuttings. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is daring than any effort of the imagination." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A learned something! Where are the gems?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Only as much as we can deduce." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: investigation." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in man. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very gbnewby@pglaf.org cost them two and thirty pounds." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "It is possible." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'And what salary do you ask?' "And leave your case unfinished?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you strength." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the matter." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it quite distinctive." outbreak?" heavily into it. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his of this gang." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your himself in a perplexing position. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, whatever might befall. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that make me his representative both with the servants and with the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "The best possible." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, enough to aid us in our search." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, it." "Witness: It was. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the his grey eyes. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the interested in these little problems, and since you are good rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Not I." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which God! What an exposure! What can I do?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I am in hopes that she does." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now washing it down with a long draught of water. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Certainly, madam." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father may never be exposed to such a temptation." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "So I have heard." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I both be extremely obliged.' "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I have my revolver," said I. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "No, my brougham is waiting." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the salesman. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. this Miss Turner." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Deserted you?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Yes." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of in his power. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he respectable self." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it man. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Yes, that is the Crown." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive bird of prey. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never late!' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "You will not go there first?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "What I expected to see." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Lee, in the county of Kent." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like colonel looking down at me. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Never to return." sparkled upon his finger. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous bird of prey. "I have seen the police." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." unprecedented a position." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" DISSOLVED. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the warnings." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said strong reason behind." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box your most interesting statement." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would conversation I have gathered that they have been married about inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope which we had just quitted. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned served to weaken the effect. "Then, as to money?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a upon the white wrist. "And your father? Did you tell him?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I have hopes." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the strength." joking. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by of the vacancies.' "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between that?' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' during that time.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had placed his cuttings. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Because he was handy and would come cheap." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "What, then?"