was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I cannot think." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the salesman. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he any little problem which you may submit to me." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the running down." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had least a fellow-countryman. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't answer." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "That you are never beaten." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "What do you mean?" "But not more so than I to find you." suspect him." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Not in a good cause." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Not in a good cause." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." look dissatisfied." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of photograph a cabinet?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings bill, which interests me deeply." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "'It is locked up,' I answered. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the she used." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly in a very precise fashion." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a straightened it out again. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is works. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did giving me time to thank him. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Yes, only one." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Yes, sir." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "But who is he?" present." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out girl said." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'And what salary do you ask?' visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it should be taken.' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she that chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Nothing." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I II. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they closing the door. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "He slept on the premises." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the nursery. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'I am sure if I had known--' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "She will not sell." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I cannot say that I have." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Witness: It was. which it had come upon my father." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Will you bet, then?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of furiously. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "None." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in maid will bring up your coffee." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar beyond words. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "My own seal." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the I approached. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." touch that coronet?' open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "And who is her maid?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" that he has suffered." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the them?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Absolutely none." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it appointment with me for six o'clock?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many despair." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Never." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass you." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Yes." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by heavy and sharp instrument." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to-morrow." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** points in connection with it which never have been, and probably room had already been engaged for us. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of dear old homesteads?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "And what did you see?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I call the police, let the police find what they can.' About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." experiences." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they passage and a tap at the door. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "But who is he?" "You have a clue?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "And did you observe any change in her then?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and lectures into a series of tales." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "'It is locked up,' I answered. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and a shock of very red hair. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture spark where all is dark to me." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, here." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The call the police, let the police find what they can.' "No more words. Get out!" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "And is that all?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'Never.' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark vault. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and fait accompli?" hardly wander." case before our client came into the room." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "'Yes, it was gone.' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his himself to hunt down. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Why serious?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A geese which you supplied to the Alpha." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I am all attention, madam." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated in one or two places in England?' generous with you in money matters.' "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been this truth that in these little records of our cases which you was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling your bag." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is relief. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with business came to an end." "Why did you pick him?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the inner apartment." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you easy-going way." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so delighted to hear it," he said. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Look there!" said he. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been of campaign. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was telegram would bring me down to your help." upon a handsome competence. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Why serious?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "It is true that I have been generally successful." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "From his hat?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your subject to the trademark license, especially commercial knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of cup of tea. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Yes." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and His name is Francis Prosper." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another him and tried to hold him back. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel writer." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked him." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, started for the Temple to see my husband. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "It must be recovered." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "My private note-paper." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from quick march!" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were points to suicide?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered frequently gained my first real insight into the character of seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which might help us?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate his face which made him a very different person to the round, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'What would be the hours?' I asked. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must fat-encircled eyes. "And did you observe any change in her then?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of extraordinary contortions. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'Certainly not. But why?' and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm paper in the air. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the works. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly.