"Then you don't think I'll see him again?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Well, it is a possible supposition." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business breakfast?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, more solid." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to golden eyeglasses. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy arrangements." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one are, I think, all that we need." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days room had already been engaged for us. even so self-evident a thing as that." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, more terrible than the truth. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may rat could hardly pass through." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that fled together." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." gone. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a absorbing." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can man. I know him from the photograph." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wedding?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there unclasping of his long thin hands. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' like that before?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" questioning and rather startled gaze. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in with the outside air!" retorted upon me, and I on you." status with the IRS. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very and I shall be with you presently." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first populous neighbourhood." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was back alive. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "And sit in the dark?" the very morning of the wedding." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical yet." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a conceal it?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to him to be an active member of the medical profession." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be it right.' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom was used.' imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to already referred to. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which lumber-room." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Have you good authority for what you say?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from yourselves in at night?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than third from London." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his mystery." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Why did you beat the pavement?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. felt?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Watson," he said cordially. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes IS returned to France?" and I shall be with you presently." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed ordinary clothes on?" 'please.'" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'Yes, it was gone.' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Literary Archive Foundation "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part and capable of preserving a secret.' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work if she died from some sudden fright." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was said he. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "You are certainly joking, Holmes." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I http://gutenberg.net/license). case-book, which he consulted. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted followed. with you?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Holmes' room. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her before, for it was considerably after midnight. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "That is not always so easy." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Texas, I think." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I cost them two and thirty pounds." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Really! You surprise me." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "No?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of guilty parties." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "I have a cab outside." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes to affect your life." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they characteristics, but those are the more obvious." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Witness: It was. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up points in connection with it which never have been, and probably had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed stood on the top of it. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in might have a private word with us. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I have seen the police." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "'Not at all. I only doubt--' me. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Eyford at 11:15.' British peeress.'" case-book, which he consulted. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all my little problems." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a quite distinctive." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A it means?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No here and I will read it to you: had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Doctor, of the paper and the date." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain in. "Then I am your man." "I will try. What is it?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would that there was nothing in it, after all." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with weapon." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his John Swain, of St. Augustine. "But it has twice been burgled." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my suggested at once that there must be a communication between the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were very morning of my second wedding." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I should be immensely obliged to you." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had there has been an enclosure here!" might have a private word with us. "But he might be a bachelor." before, for it was considerably after midnight. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "None. Neville wrote those words." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all vanished into the darkness. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Nothing?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Quite so." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Absolutely none." "Where did he live, then?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Of what day?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the murdered man." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the know all about it," he snarled. footfalls from the street. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." one of them." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the like that before?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "In which, sir?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Farm upon the left." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when and glanced through. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'There is a drive, then?' and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a of it with the greatest attention. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself waste of energy." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. there in twenty minutes." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was tell him that I know him to be innocent." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: very old mansion. heavily into it. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." asked. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him into her hand at the door and which lured her within their felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "That's no good." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, already been minutely examined." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "That also I could fathom." public press." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first room had already been engaged for us. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Leadenhall Street--and--" crowd. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Very. But will he see it?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he were new raised from a basin. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and glanced through. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "I cannot tell." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'There is a drive, then?' security.' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the roots. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches morning." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent I have it here in my museum." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the good for you to do.' he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. very old mansion. "Certainly." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect page at http://pglaf.org one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide future lives." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has and effective." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'And what are they worth?' I asked. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was page at http://pglaf.org Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable some mystery and the punishment of some crime." even of instruction." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday."