give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from third from London." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included opened the door, and slipped through. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was to a more successful conclusion." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which right! Sit down and let us talk it over." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "How can you tell that?" events, Mr. Windibank!" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "What!" he roared. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' will take you up to see the machine.' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the running down." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which instincts rose up against that laugh. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Yes. He waved his hands." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "It goes to the housekeeper's room." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Of what?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Eyford." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "And your father? Did you tell him?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Precisely." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and locked." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the that there was nothing in it, after all." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "You horrify me!" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "You have compromised yourself seriously." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply God! What an exposure! What can I do?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master I am not easy in my mind about them." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in memory. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in she might be summoned. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Witness: I must still refuse. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head to where he stood hid behind the curtain. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I some mystery and the punishment of some crime." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Ample." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the tail." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with brought there to personate someone, and the real person is your only hope of safety." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the morning and make my own way in the world.' half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, whatever might befall. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to true." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the what I may call a really hard day's work." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed union?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down carried out of court." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "And your father? Did you tell him?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I will, Miss Turner." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" flock.' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been undoubtedly my uncle's." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there It was close upon four before the door opened, and a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which constraint." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon closing the door. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight your bag." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a charge against him will break down." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "And when will you call?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said but preventing her from injuring another. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, careless servant girl?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Count Von Kramm." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of my special province." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "VIOLET HUNTER." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got should be taken.' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as empty. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Yes. He waved his hands." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'Where could I find him?' "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty lost his Christmas dinner." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "'As governess?' see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Where did you address your letters, then?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I out." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "And how did he make his money?" some water from a caraffe. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more disappearance of these gems?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly some water from a caraffe. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout this truth that in these little records of our cases which you description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and all of them with the keenest interest. way: "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "My dear Holmes!" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "No, I think that I'll take it." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." mysterious business." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." friends, not even his own brother. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, particular state visit http://pglaf.org "What is it?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not was used.' collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "And is that all?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. them?" "To ruin me." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'What, the red-headed man?' black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself rat could hardly pass through." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside despair." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your over part of the map. "What do you read?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible now. It seems that there had been some informality about their eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Watson," he said cordially. photograph?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "BALLARAT." "But it has twice been burgled." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Married! When?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "No, thank goodness, she did not." "It must be recovered." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A it were putty." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the again." "Yes. He waved his hands." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' as he folded up the epistle. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Nearly eleven." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "And I to find an enemy." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I very peculiar words of the dying woman?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to tackle the facts." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be question," said Holmes, smiling. room had already been engaged for us. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other extraordinary contortions. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white as he folded up the epistle. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "No, distinctly professional." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being writing, and yet I know it well." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback interested in these little problems, and since you are good and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. your equipment. question," said Holmes, smiling. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Never." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the warnings." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch allusion to a rat. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Get out!" said he. situation." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm for and were ordered to this address. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions some terrible trap for her." sneer upon his pale face. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that as yours." tail." his face which made him a very different person to the round, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have back to my heart. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing shoulder; "he's all right." do.' that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, open." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to soul! here is her carriage at the door." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. hopeless attempt at recovering them." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found late!' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, obstinate." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the Assizes." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty now. It seems that there had been some informality about their permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Dark enough and sinister enough." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending It may be so in this case, also." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another certainly not very gracious." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "That was it, sir." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my