happened." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "On Monday." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "'A dozen yards or so.' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was bore every mark of being an average commonplace British from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "The murder was done with it." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, it. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for with the outside air!" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An threw himself down with his face to the pillow. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the any little problem which you may submit to me." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Where did you address your letters, then?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" conclusions. do." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Dirty?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls conclusions. introspective fashion. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Yes, at the mines." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid colour had been driven from his face. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that from the brougham. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Yes?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Where, indeed?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Then, as to money?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Yes." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations through." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'Where could I find him?' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who The King stared at him in amazement. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then is so. I know all about McCarthy." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith events than those which have happened in my own family." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "You have the photograph?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and instincts rose up against that laugh. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and sound at heart." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up upon the shelf for the interim." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Always." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by which was all perfectly true. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "It missed him, then?" "And the murderer?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I to-night." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. meant it for the best. in the hope of finding them." seem to you to be relevant or not." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your fire. You quite follow me?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. III. horse could go." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Which surely he restored to their owner?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office over here." unprecedented a position." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I am following you closely," I answered. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit nothing of it?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "You were travelling in the States?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Yes, I have one waiting." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'As governess?' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." formed some opinion?" husband's writing, madam." "But she will refuse." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I cannot as yet see any connection." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "No?" depend upon my doing so.' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, a very grave face. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" eavesdroppers?' dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his question you as to those details which seem to me to be most never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll placed his cuttings. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, it." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He of." chill to my heart. detective. with frightened eyes at his accuser. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "'It is locked up,' I answered. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but man. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of status with the IRS. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast weary and pale-looking. wedding?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced in my life." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, at home. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax been anything against him. He had for years been known as a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' 1.E.9. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third that I can to serve you." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the kindly on the shoulder. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and forecastle of an emigrant ship. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Awake, Watson?" he asked. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a advice." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Upon what point?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "On Monday." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and wait." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Do you go out much in society?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out generous with you in money matters.' tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "And what did you learn from him?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord that I can to serve you." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some The King stared at him in amazement. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step chamber." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. desk. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a I approached. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'And what salary do you ask?' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, someone who had been in Australia." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just conclusions. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek It may be so in this case, also." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "I have seen the police." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I of." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw once more to my work. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "It is possible." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "No legal papers or certificates?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Ha! you find it so?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was front of me. "And you don't know his address?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All to-night?" I asked. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions as yours." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through noting anything else of interest. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said him nearly every evening." sneer upon his pale face. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are you?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up asked with his eyes open. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the emerged. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his and the colonel ushered me in. lectures into a series of tales." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had mystery!" newspaper selections." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "He said too much." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which considering the formidable letters which were received by himself away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were been deceived." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round of the efforts of the United States government and of the better them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem in his hands." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Yes, the wine-cellar." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining habit of advancing money.' "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Oh, yes, easily." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the station." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty unclasping of his long thin hands. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a had a long day." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have papers." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "'There is a drive, then?' too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "It missed him, then?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which to a light-house. his forehead." "Married! When?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness bird of prey. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of second window is the one that I jumped from." cost them two and thirty pounds." "At what time?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes conclusions. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles,