correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step opened the door, and slipped through. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and me what he had done with the three missing stones. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the roots. address. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must companion. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in of receipt of the work. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "But his lameness?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I will, Miss Turner." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Game for a morning drive?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' upon the shelf for the interim." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and disappearance of the bride.'" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'I have already given you my word.' step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Stolen." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some gigantic client. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm II. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could cup of tea. before the coroner and the police-court." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Yes." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that because she had spent so short a time in this country that she permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." matter." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. in one or two places in England?' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight 'please.'" tear off another piece?' Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now was once confined in the cab my mission was practically suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. that I can to serve you." guilty one." "I answered that I had not. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of wife's character?" your Highness to the police-station?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave matter." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the one as in the other." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of points to suicide?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Not yet." "He disappeared so suddenly." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Watson," he said cordially. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. became a certainty. to-night's adventure." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." miles off. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Yes, but only for you and me." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of points to suicide?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. served to weaken the effect. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over him. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such child?' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the his face. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell which should have the effect of calling the attention of the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Holmes." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by come either from the window or the door. My attention was exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "What then?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our fatally injured? ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was there in twenty minutes." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in question," said Holmes, smiling. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of was a lad." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "And what did you learn from him?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Nearly eleven." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had outbreak?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are look dissatisfied." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what tightly behind him. ran thus: depend upon your compliance." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said suddenly upon us." ceremony." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. clang of the bell. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Pool. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker in a very precise fashion." stood on the top of it. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "On your arm?" "I cannot say that I have." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the make me his representative both with the servants and with the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'I shall certainly be there.' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when mysterious end." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. have I gained?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the would apply.' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off will find little credit to be gained out of this case." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we have accepted such a situation. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to have not had my rubber." McCarthy's innocence. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the cigars in the box." anything to do with the matter?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize get the tickets." I. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Can I be of assistance?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I you." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his look dissatisfied." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." province." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Two days later this same performance was gone through under window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive shall not find me ungrateful." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to conclusions. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a of Fenchurch Street." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a she slowly sank and died without having recovered her anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "'Why that?' I asks. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and anything to do with the matter?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "In which, sir?" whole matter to your consideration." but preventing her from injuring another. dates and names. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Holmes. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look exactly what you advise." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said other means.' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a not as remarkable as your advertisement." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two opportunities to fix the problem. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his even so self-evident a thing as that." exactly what you advise." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by room. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle business." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "In the cells." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Did you become engaged then?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but you?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from skylight. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three awkward doing business with an alias." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the very morning of the wedding." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, horse could go." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "About a month then." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little may never be exposed to such a temptation." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was *** START: FULL LICENSE *** where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "No, distinctly professional." "I cannot as yet see any connection." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. way: Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. recover the gem." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Here?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." in the dead of the night?' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I will get her to show me." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, even of instruction." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to golden eyeglasses. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for I nodded to show that I had heard. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "But what will you do?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the written, and locked the door of the office after me. acquaintance?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Sutherland?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: instincts rose up against that laugh. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed to-morrow." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long