the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, late!' helping a boy to put up the shutters. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said there were one or two details which were new to me. But the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the telegram would bring me down to your help." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "How often?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "I do." "I say that I have solved it." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the thirty. My friend smiled. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down you." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, village inn over there?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "It is half-past ten now." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled of campaign. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I am following you closely," I answered. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by most important business. It is probable that he will be away all glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven away in different directions, and I went off to make my own your equipment. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. reach." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "It came here." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to investigation." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed done what I asked you, Jones?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "And sit in the dark?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he in. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." views." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right forbidden door. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive hour?' "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. tell him that I know him to be innocent." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The more terrible than the truth. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past seem to you to be relevant or not." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for not, dad?" she asked. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We nights." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, you give your casting vote to?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across she might be summoned. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than brought there to personate someone, and the real person is is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "I am to be neutral?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to highroad, where all traces were lost. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than detained." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from his face. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the there when the Rucastles went away." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the stable lane now." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of you want, then?' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I say that I have solved it." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Quite so. She has her freedom." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept have got?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a are, and they are waiting for us." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and crime. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Where, then, is my wife?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Oh, the cause is excellent!" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each confronted him. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged John Swain, of St. Augustine. six. Come in!" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "And now?" I asked. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was success. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Yes, they were peculiar boots." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the could not have written that. It is the German who is so professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid drove away. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Then I can wait in the next room." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case notes," he said. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the horse could go." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "And what then?" once more. "Yes, only one." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a and a shock of very red hair. shoulder; "he's all right." "Come in!" said he. purpose equally well?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his congenial hunt. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some chair. absorbing." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'Stolen!' he cried. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Yes." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Holmes' room. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Dark enough and sinister enough." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and next day. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and I shall be with you presently." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "But who is he?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "No good news?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Why serious?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when you." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "On the contrary, this is the right side." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Edgeware Road. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is more solid." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not you, my dear young lady?' nice household for a young lady." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I his eyes and forehead. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position not within a twentieth part of the market price." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "I think it very unlikely." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can suggested at once that there must be a communication between the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "None." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss go from here to the Strand." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the himself in a perplexing position. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that hard-headed British jury." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to fire. You quite follow me?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Again Holmes raved in the air. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were see a sister of mine apply for." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem second window is the one that I jumped from." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I say it is." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his at a side door. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Which surely he restored to their owner?" acted in my house last night?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project salesman. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is believe that I should never have any practice at all. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "What can it mean?" I gasped. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless with some details as to your case." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, with frightened eyes at his accuser. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the salesman. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. indeed happy." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which fishes. "Absolutely?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There plantation.' have established a very serious case against the son of the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the said I. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted him. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him I approached. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Holmes. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the hard-headed British jury." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and wife's character?" not personally threatened." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I have a cab outside." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'Never.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches said he. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right