already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, again on its way. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus to-night." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I am armed." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some a room. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of place of silver." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Leave Paddington by the 11:15." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed remarked. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have derbies." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "No, I had a dozen." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it bearing upon the case." salesman. "This photograph!" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "And I to find an enemy." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the stable lane now." "What is it, then--a fire?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "A greater distance to travel." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; occurred." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a matter." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "What can it mean?" I gasped. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. morning." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss together. the ceiling. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa you in yours." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they than to us. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Where is it, then?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "And help." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "If I can be of use." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. would apply.' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the time." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. over with notes and figures. and put his glass in his pocket. himself to hunt down. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each followed. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at your Highness to the police-station?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully wanted for ourselves." "That you are never beaten." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not touch that coronet?' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he is so. I know all about McCarthy." "He is dead," cried several voices. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It is half-past ten now." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Chief Executive and Director DAMAGE. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, himself in a perplexing position. "Not him." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." be sorry for having acted so harshly." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that highroad, where all traces were lost. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I am to be neutral?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. here." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "'In my own bureau.' is so. I know all about McCarthy." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "He said that you could solve anything." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very go back?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in is acting for the best. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were woman who has had her own way to make in the world. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the this unhappy family?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No exactly what you advise." Street. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it remarked. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "No." upon the sideboard." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "None." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "About a month then." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this hurried away. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly fire. You quite follow me?" "Not in the least." chair. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Street. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' interest. They are important, you understand, without being 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with chill to my heart. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Heh?' however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself ashen face. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to arrive at through this?" carriage. It was a chestnut." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous arrested. You then--" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will closing the door. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." there." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in have accepted such a situation. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "He might." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Yes.' submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' within hail.' in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. overpowering excitement and concern. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Yes." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "And you can do nothing until then?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from married her." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the returned to France?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the suspect him." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. mystery." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a For additional contact information: any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Bought." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Very good.' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped do you make of it all?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. your co-operation." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Breckinridge is his name." both be extremely obliged.' upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and to miss it." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You like that before?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" think you a quite exceptional woman." pierced for earrings?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying lost his Christmas dinner." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Yes." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "You forget that I know nothing about it." occupations.' them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an details should find their way into the papers. Inspector better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "How do you know, then?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "When did she vanish, then?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the what I may call a really hard day's work." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then in a very precise fashion." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a awaited us upon the table. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back help us in this matter." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall least a most suspicious remark." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but of Fenchurch Street." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector sake, don't!" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, gives a meaning to it." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I meanly of me." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he everything which you would wish to know." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since dates and names. cigars in their mouths. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "That is not always so easy." if she died from some sudden fright." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, out of this horrible affair." "You have carte blanche." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very overpowering excitement and concern. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "What, then, did Peterson do?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we think that he is innocent?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right felt the room to be a little close.' trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I see many objections to any such theory." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up who was a member of your goose club." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than