to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and prisoner's face. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Yes." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "And the cigar-holder?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the devil!" morning." "Never." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings forehead. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Holmes, the busybody!" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone straighten it?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "And why?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "It is no ordinary one." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival investigation." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the so-precious time, but come!' Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite she might be summoned. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the observed. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send indiscretion." lamp. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square weighed down with some great anxiety. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything status with the IRS. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the your billet.' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I wedding?" "Perhaps I have." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it where Mr. Fordham shows you.' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, outsides of the windows. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do father's young wife. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture invisible to me," I remarked. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the Friday. Was it to be in church?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked brought there to personate someone, and the real person is favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the night.' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the morning and make my own way in the world.' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I think that it is very probable." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in friends, not even his own brother. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate was feeling which was the fattest.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point interests were the same as his." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and capable of preserving a secret.' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'What do you call purely nominal?' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for shall not find me ungrateful." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a events than those which have happened in my own family." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very minor matters until to-morrow." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for and have this put in the evening papers." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with said he. "Murdered?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must some terrible trap for her." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have question," said Holmes, smiling. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had hurried away. "I should wish to." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "None." observed. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "It is no ordinary one." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "That is possible." "And you don't know his address?" least a most suspicious remark." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the was a perfect sample of the class. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's at my remark. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Breckinridge is his name." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had your sleep?' clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding lost nothing by them." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and disturbance in my wife." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire floor. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Yes, at the mines." "But who is he?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced emerged. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "No. What a strange idea!" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." name is different." Farm upon the left." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to six. Come in!" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I assure you that I am in your hands." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "And I say east," said my patient. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "The Coroner: What do you mean? how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of hard-headed British jury." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "And what did you see?" "Why, what do you mean?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "And leave your case unfinished?" "Ample." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to surprise her." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with weighed down with some great anxiety. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little weapon." congratulate you again." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Your sister is dead, then?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a relief. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward opportunities to fix the problem. think that he is innocent?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "You horrify me!" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of himself to tell his story. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and tapping his fingers upon the table. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to you." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "And that is--" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had likely to be some crony of the landlady's." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Whose house is it?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a over with notes and figures. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate be.' week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Precisely." presume?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "He is still with you, I presume?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "In heaven's name, what for?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "But who is he?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words and the church but not where the lady lived." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "But you have hopes?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." this as likely?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'Quite sure, dad.' and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he been with you?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "This photograph!" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the once more for Briony Lodge. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I get the tickets." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I am following you closely," I answered. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "I have seen the police." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already prison!" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double she to prove their authenticity?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a neither fascinating nor artistic." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace suggested at once that there must be a communication between the bachelor.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow I shall continue with my miserable story. "Witness: It was. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong this poor creature." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this may never be exposed to such a temptation." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the depend upon your compliance." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "At half-wages, in fact." dates and names. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may ran thus: which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Yes, it was twisted." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another to surprise her." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from of campaign. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." be best to do. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice touch that coronet?' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite room?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my during which he might have communicated with his friend the province." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps nothing of it?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out