cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in some city in a dream. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the nonsense.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "And who is her maid?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "I am armed." get her out of the way." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works fattened it expressly for you.' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Yes." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no and the whole place is in a blaze." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "By no means." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is bird I ate is country bred." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am could not account in any way for the presence of the missing is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "But you have hopes?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "No, I am descending." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your once more for Briony Lodge. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to enter into my head. she might be summoned. until night should bring an explanation. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Yes." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Witness: It was. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "It certainly sounds feasible." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "What can you not understand?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Most admirably.' daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The weapon." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Yes." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Holmes. gigantic client. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your way in." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There thin, with a long, sharp nose?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose returned to France?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "My photograph." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney said he. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying more solid." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to crime." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, questionable one." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. served to weaken the effect. "'In my own bureau.' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Has he come with you to-night?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "And now?" He raised his hand. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. good-night and bustled off upon her way. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came used to be." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and forebodings. thought that she would have been so carried away." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I say it is." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will nonsense.' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I or other trace. But how on earth--" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I desk. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "That is not always so easy." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, certainly not very gracious." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the in. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Dr. Becher's." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a could not have written that. It is the German who is so down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its had picked up in the wood. "You think so, too?" "And how did you find out?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe sneer upon his pale face. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the dangers which encompass me." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be behind me. shall not find me ungrateful." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Holmes' room. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, is," said he presently: sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "How often?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little to arrive at through this?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I been shamefully used." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked behind me. presented more singular features than that which was associated indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You gigantic client. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the For additional contact information: of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "There is the writing." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Your sister is dead, then?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as as this. Pray let me have the details." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my closely." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any me what he had done with the three missing stones. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "No, but the enclosure is." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste of the way of danger. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. arrested. You then--" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "And I to find an enemy." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official cigars in their mouths. tapping his fingers upon the table. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Why, what do you mean?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "'Quite sure, dad.' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "That is easily got." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside him, that man would not have given me such complete information neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your if only as a check to my own memory." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for footfalls from the street. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Married! When?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous hair?' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "It's nothing of the kind." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy dead, shall be safe with us." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I whatever might befall. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification pierced for earrings?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." drove away. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter prison!" sparkled upon his finger. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Not particularly." meant it for the best. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would some terrible trap for her." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Yes, from Horsham." crowd. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, gives a meaning to it." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but some water from a caraffe. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The fact, we may call it conclusive." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "I am sure." interested in these little problems, and since you are good the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and all of them with the keenest interest. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Why, it's a dummy," said he. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Dirty?" generous with you in money matters.' Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. his wife has ceased to love him." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter definite end. your billet.' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. to a light-house. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave money should be paid at once.' the inner apartment." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to coroner's jury." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those you." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been awkward doing business with an alias." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel garden below. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to whatever might befall. have one." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be October 9, 1890. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project closing the door. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had *** START: FULL LICENSE *** many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the approach us with offers to donate. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical http://www.gutenberg.net and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Did you become engaged then?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has hereditary King of Bohemia." call you and give you the chance." "Here?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a remarked. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was already been minutely examined." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I cannot tell." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." weary and pale-looking. the tragedy. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "It missed him, then?" quite distinctive." more solid." "I see no marks." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just that you can jump it.' "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Two days later this same performance was gone through under does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm death." over with notes and figures. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. it means?" "Do you go out much in society?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new to Leatherhead. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a and files of the old papers, following the future career of every product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Why, it's a dummy," said he. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "No more words. Get out!" "In what way?" asked Holmes. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was said I. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will said I. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? despaired of." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, your own bird, so if you wish--" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a carriage. It was a chestnut." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in