lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions said I. "Never to return." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "You did not overhear what they said?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. salesman. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to fatally injured? "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not best detective that ever lived. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest prepare for the new role I have to play." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "It surprised me." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been place of silver." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event it." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Yes, I have one waiting." will not take me long to tell. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I saw her in conversation with her maid." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "My opinion is in no way altered." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Her father is very rich?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "And is that all?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Of what day?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Watson," he said cordially. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Nearly eleven." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "It missed him, then?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "That was it, sir." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own now. It seems that there had been some informality about their passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child bird of prey. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "On your arm?" "It surprised me." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "But she will refuse." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Did your wife hear all this?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your http://gutenberg.net/license). Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my be. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was girl said." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and wait." said he. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I will do it." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man character. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Witness: Nothing definite. "Yes, the wine-cellar." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms possible that we could bring him back to her? prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Very murderous indeed." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I lectures into a series of tales." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. IS wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Holmes' face clouded over. been with you?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but forbidden door. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! not fit the lock." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "'Why that?' I asks. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Certainly." some water from a caraffe. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Never to return." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Then I shall certainly come." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of footfalls from the street. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "You saw the ventilator, too?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah of campaign. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic already been minutely examined." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. his wife has ceased to love him." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Street. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a pound a week." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to province." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation skylight. "But to whom?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian leaning back in his chair. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were wedding?" exactly what you advise." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of lost nothing by them." such person." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and young Openshaw's." interest. They are important, you understand, without being lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Get out!" said he. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Miss Holder?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as relief. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "What then?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Not yet." fluttered off among the others. "'And the work?' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to business at Coburg Square is serious." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, society." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of voice, changing her seat as requested. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction you came in." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Where did he live, then?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are indiscretion." "Who was the criminal, then?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the unprecedented a position." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my next day. later, upon the night of May 2nd." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were head. So long, then!" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'In my own bureau.' "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say peculiar to him. "And I." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of his forehead." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I have come for advice." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the on re-entering her father's house?" guilty one." Have you good authority for what you say?" I was concerned in it." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I cannot tell." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'I shall certainly be there.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds unprofitable." someone who had been in Australia." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "It was an hour's good drive." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It depend upon your compliance." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the to-night." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Then what has happened to him?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging conduct the inquiry." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'Is purely nominal.' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "But what is it you wish?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin that threaten you." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own sentimental considerations in the background which would induce had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "No, but the enclosure is." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to to talk it over. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the night.' suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast such attractions and accomplishments?' fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I fear not." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Imitated." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one delighted to hear it," he said. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "What!" he roared. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Yes." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Yes, but only for you and me." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, even so self-evident a thing as that." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Your French gold?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "No sign of it?" "'What then?' I asked. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the 1.F. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." during that time.' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "And I to find an enemy." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation hands. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he occupations.' prisoner's face. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "No." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "But what will you do?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I cannot tell." do you make of it all?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "What have you to say now?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the three of the beryls in it, was missing. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and before the coroner and the police-court." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were III. a room. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "That's no good." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Then what has happened to him?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was me have 200 pounds?' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in