must compliment you." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent peculiar to him. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'And what salary do you ask?' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Very murderous indeed." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "And what did you see?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." learned something! Where are the gems?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "A client, then?" affair. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that amused." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet could not have written that. It is the German who is so ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an galvanised. "If I can be of use." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all true." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' extraordinary contortions. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "There is the writing." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Ten will be early enough." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss unprofitable." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Did you become engaged then?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "How did you deduce the select?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to to-morrow." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "It certainly sounds feasible." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "It looks newer than the other things?" said I. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident 11:15.' Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Very much so." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I will not look." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings matter." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," nights." unkempt, staring out at me. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Nothing?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare weapon." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately must be when I saw the door open.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not nice household for a young lady." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident must be when I saw the door open.' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'About the same.' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly to have that photograph." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. later, upon the night of May 2nd." upon the white wrist. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, to have that photograph." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Where is it, then?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "And now?" He raised his hand. fattened it expressly for you.' absorbing." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently weapon." "Come in!" said he. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. your troubles." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Holmes rather sternly. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, was used.' my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without everything which you would wish to know." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I bill, which interests me deeply." miles off. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable affair. "Ten will be early enough." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in prisoner's face. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend new acquaintance to Baker Street. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may you understand?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was had formerly been in part my own. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "It is a murder, then?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six yourselves in at night?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Sutherland?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more sneer upon his pale face. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "And how did you verify them?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat 1.F. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "VIOLET HUNTER." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "No, I think that I'll take it." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" a very grave face. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything second window is the one that I jumped from." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "If I can be of use." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, have not had my rubber." will not take me long to tell. kindly on the shoulder. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "And when will you call?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "I don't believe it." think that he is innocent?" gone before you can get him to hospital." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never hands. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a it." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "To the police?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't fish-monger and a tide-waiter." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "But how will you look?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and happened." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Is he quiet?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the October 9, 1890. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the purpose of examination. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "No." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. indeed which he could not unravel. woman." "It certainly sounds feasible." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. second." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "In San Francisco, a year ago." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Nothing." passage and a tap at the door. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Yes." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "And how did you find out?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step it." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "He disappeared so suddenly." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Never.' ran thus: than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project my little problems." It may be so in this case, also." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards strong reason behind." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Farm upon the left." "Yes, sir." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "How on earth--" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Project Gutenberg-tm works. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are ceremony." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Nothing." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Get out!" said he. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name instituted." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a nice household for a young lady." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would chill to my heart. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: exactly what you advise." During two years I have had three consultations and one small all?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I will try. What is it?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "My dear Holmes!" "I cannot say that I have." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his entirely lost his self-respect." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may window when the police appeared." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "No more words. Get out!" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Yes, I have one waiting." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery may have an influence upon European history." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to gives a meaning to it." pressing in one house as in another. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you used to be." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "On your arm?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the salesman. you." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was which was all perfectly true.