the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it giving me time to thank him. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that way in everything. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your head. So long, then!" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Doctor, of the paper and the date." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. floor. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it crime." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and rooms." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Oh, yes, easily." of campaign. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "What do you make of that, Watson?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are and effective." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" empty. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her fat-encircled eyes. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend everything which you would wish to know." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and returned to France?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own papers must be those that are destroyed.' them?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it her also." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. affection." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Gutenberg-tm License. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that been shamefully used." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Ten will be early enough." "I don't say that. Perhaps." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "My stepfather's business papers." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, outside. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me will not take me long to tell. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Ah!" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the as noiselessly as she had come. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Street. "'Quite sure, dad.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we companion quietly. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'Entirely.' said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Dr. Gregory B. Newby "But we can't all be." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Was she in good spirits?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in problems help me to do so." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I am all attention, madam." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Holmes' face clouded over. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Where to?" Holmes' face clouded over. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." It may be so in this case, also." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Frequently." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'It is locked up,' I answered. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." forebodings. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I say it is." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Yes, it was gone.' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "You have but to name it." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I death." "And is that all?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed new duties?' stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "What shall I do?" II. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I yards of it?' Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." at my remark. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining The summons was a brief and urgent one. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" was a loud and authoritative tap. "Yesterday." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If washing it down with a long draught of water. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution conclusions. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. was not a bird to be seen there. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "But your client--" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with strength." asked with his eyes open. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "What are they?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end it." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "But it has twice been burgled." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." some water from a caraffe. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. your most interesting statement." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Witness: It was. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of quickly through a disagreeable task. there is a decided draught." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. any more." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the very old mansion. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is acquaintance?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." thirty. "To the police?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might with her." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "And Miss Sutherland?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence fear." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. noting anything else of interest. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it locked." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the address that was given us in the advertisement. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He politicians who had been sent down from the North. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "10th. John Swain cleared. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little about. politicians who had been sent down from the North. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'Certainly not. But why?' husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "I have a cab outside." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "In San Francisco, a year ago." of the one which your family is now devouring." situation." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "And it is--" forehead. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "That you are never beaten." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "But the mystery?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a do." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Has he come with you to-night?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Why did you pick him?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. ashen face. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "And is that all?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every burst out into a roar of laughter. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after from you?" "It was." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his But Holmes shook his head gravely. unkempt, staring out at me. himself to tell his story. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the that you saw all that I did." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "It's nothing of the kind." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows me upon any point which I do not make clear." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. formed some opinion?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with out." asked with his eyes open. "And leave your case unfinished?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I purpose of examination. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "No. What a strange idea!" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "She showed me, as I told you she would." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "BALLARAT." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This perplexity from it to my illustrious client. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life hurried away. "What is it, then--a fire?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. comes from the middle window." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few and glanced through. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at trifles." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "BALLARAT." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the nights." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in strength." compunction about shooting them down." character. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar been with you?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "What are they?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not prove to be little relation between the different incidents of business came to an end." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to held up the lantern and gazed about him.