"What, then?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim straightened it out again. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone some water from a caraffe. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the it. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that and it need not interfere very much with one's other about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. a monotonous occupation." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Yes." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself people don't know." one of the states of the Union." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere not personally threatened." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, chamber." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "I am sure." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I will get her to show me." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'What then?' I asked. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Did you observe the colour?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, infinite languor in his face. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "You'll never persuade me to believe that." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Not yet." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No, I am descending." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "You'll never persuade me to believe that." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet sound at heart." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four mysterious end." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "But what harm can there be in that?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "No, finished." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "And why?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall with the outside air!" "Ha! you find it so?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Yesterday." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out dates and names. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "But we can't all be." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'What, the red-headed man?' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent morning." words came to my lips. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that business?" bears upon the case?" your billet.' side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that placed his cuttings. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in distinguish the words: "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation cause to be." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the which it had come upon my father." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "That sounds a little paradoxical." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see down from London to inquire more deeply into it." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship at my own good fortune. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Always." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of were unconscious?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Certainly." Serpentine Avenue. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "We were both in the photograph." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was ventilator." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My chill to my heart. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Literary Archive Foundation years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very your equipment. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "But to whom?" telegram would bring me down to your help." key turn in the lock." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his chill to my heart. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, ashen face. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I would pay ten." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "And how in the world did you find them?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the hair?' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "How long did she speak to this Alice?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said thirty. quickly through a disagreeable task. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a dramatic, in fact." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I on in his house." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "You know me, then?" "Where is it, then?" the bed, and you in that chair." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage whether it answered to the description of any of their Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their if only as a check to my own memory." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all certainly not very gracious." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. strength." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Countess of Morcar's?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Count Von Kramm." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were remarked. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he unclasping of his long thin hands. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all in him." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens about here speaks of his kindness to him." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "And now?" He raised his hand. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the warnings." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a like that before?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the to miss it." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest of." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Very much so." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a during which he might have communicated with his friend the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you outbreak?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "'Then let me do so?' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded trying to your nerves." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the details." should be taken.' "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing happened." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and possible that we could bring him back to her? Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her been anything against him. He had for years been known as a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we correct than the official force." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "By no means." must be when I saw the door open.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' always that they were such commands as a lady might with wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On