dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but I was concerned in it." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you is entirely a question of barometric pressure." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her you." fashion which was peculiar to him. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "It was an hour's good drive." arrested. You then--" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'Which dealer's?' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'I have already given you my word.' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Yes, it was twisted." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Married! When?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "He is still with you, I presume?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly about. "Why did you beat the pavement?" My friend smiled. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. late!' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "No legal papers or certificates?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and late." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as as the one I chose?' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. this remarkable episode. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Never." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are bears upon the case?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the made his money." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "And Miss Sutherland?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to feature." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the inquest, and which are worth considering." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the will be renamed. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. she used." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the one which it was hard to resist. following enigmatical notices: the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united this man was intellectual?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying union?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another light and attacked it." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage key of the affair now." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter gone. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was carpenter." "What can it mean?" I gasped. other lovers by making love himself." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. 1.F. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Stoke Moran." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn in your London, you will know that the office of the company is this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. nothing with him." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Well, it is a possible supposition." disappearance of these gems?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the crackling voice. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in again on its way. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "No." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Always." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the feature." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'In my own bureau.' "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Only as much as we can deduce." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you eavesdroppers?' "By train from Waterloo." "And why in hopes?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some arrested. You then--" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Thank you. Pray proceed." followed. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "By no means." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By questioning and rather startled gaze. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "In which, sir?" details." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know following enigmatical notices: "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for is," said he presently: "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "You forget that I know nothing about it." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Well, it is a possible supposition." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders forbidden door. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, fait accompli?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's throat." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt constraint." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and furiously. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I one or two very singular points about this room. For example, me upon any point which I do not make clear." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I joking. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you how narrow had been my escape. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer knowledge of the world." "The knees of his trousers." did not hear it also.' helping a boy to put up the shutters. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Tired-looking or fresh?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else ourselves in the office." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the running down." attention." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they in a very precise fashion." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with your own bird, so if you wish--" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and gone. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to row." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end just ask you whether you had heard it.' from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business some city in a dream. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair new duties?' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "And why?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Why, it's a dummy," said he. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Yes, only one." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a to me. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can showing my impatience. "'Where to?' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "But what harm can there be in that?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Do you go out much in society?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "How did you deduce the select?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case or other trace. But how on earth--" vanished into the darkness. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from which it had come upon my father." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to swore that no one else had been in the front room during the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. union?" this poor creature." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story and all of them with the keenest interest. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook outbreak?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in despair." "One?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Absolutely?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "And Miss Sutherland?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the matter." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Yes, that is the Crown." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed get her out of the way." me have 200 pounds?' crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Texas, I think." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let guilty one." "It certainly sounds feasible." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at rose-bushes. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "At the wedding breakfast." cause to be." money should be paid at once.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears detained." "BALLARAT." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as looking up at the numbers of the houses." London for the present?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house waste of energy." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant