journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying did not hear it also.' made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide the house with me." "But it has twice been burgled." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Then, as to money?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these affair. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And sit in the dark?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from villagers almost as much as their master. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent details." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow who was a member of your goose club." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "You have the photograph?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right father's young wife. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the his cane at the bell-pull. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you murdered man." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of garden below. was a lad." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some place of silver." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and the colonel ushered me in. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "What are they?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy letters?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. at home. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." touch that coronet?' "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a felt the room to be a little close.' Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "And that is--" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Yes, certainly." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. and wait." were wasted." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. and put his glass in his pocket. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'Never,' said I. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "He said too much." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Then what has happened to him?" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to looking up at the numbers of the houses." is four-and-twenty." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all outside. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands investigation." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "What have you done?" asked Holmes. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On carried out of court." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "You forget that I know nothing about it." back into the street. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., fish-monger and a tide-waiter." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "And Miss Sutherland?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts said he. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage and files of the old papers, following the future career of every wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "No more words. Get out!" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Precisely." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Has he come with you to-night?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged think that he is innocent?" "And who is her maid?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project I shall continue with my miserable story. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every whether it answered to the description of any of their problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit carried out of court." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. room. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "When did she vanish, then?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an said he. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to talk it over. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with read over the extraordinary announcement. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." all-comprehensive glances. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. must compliment you." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt that you saw all that I did." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the nursery. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'In my own bureau.' "But you can know nothing of this?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at very old mansion. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Imitated." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Nothing." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "It's nothing of the kind." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Yes, but only for you and me." tail." "Her father is very rich?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, spark where all is dark to me." "Of what?" Pool. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Yes, sir." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It weapon." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "On the contrary, this is the right side." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Ha! you find it so?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have people don't know." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something standing smiling on the door-step. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others with you?" "Do you go out much in society?" least a fellow-countryman. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He stammered. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'And what salary do you ask?' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must them?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one them, and came down just as you departed. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as carriage. It was a chestnut." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant evidence," I remarked. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the occupations.' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without have got?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "What I expected to see." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "It is possible." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was certainly not very gracious." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking things are very often connected not with the larger but with the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs purpose equally well?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "My Mary? Impossible!" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "9th. McCauley cleared. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. me where it went to?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. him!" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and against a man in the prime of life?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a business." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella past. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring this Miss Turner." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Yes?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major in the hope of finding them." "And help." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "I was sure that I might rely on you." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've already been minutely examined." who was a member of your goose club." front of me. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I approached. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a lamp. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no union?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "That sounds a little paradoxical." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more never came back." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'Certainly not.' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable have got?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the instituted." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, to Leatherhead. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed distinguish the words: "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure most important business. It is probable that he will be away all his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and laid it on the table. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." waste of energy." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had my friend's incisive reasoning. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the works. horse could go." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, as he folded up the epistle. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "What! You do not mean bodies?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Mary, has deserted me." gone. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent letters?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "No, but the enclosure is." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this for securing the situation." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at acted in my house last night?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room you want, then?' than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Well?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to goes." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep