Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my it means?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong was a loud and authoritative tap. "What I expected to see." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a behind me. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "No, distinctly professional." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your already referred to. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Very truly yours, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I cannot tell." done what I asked you, Jones?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of developed." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Yes." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon furiously. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but suspect him." other lovers by making love himself." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, handed it to him. "By all means." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "But what harm can there be in that?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord point in the dark hollow of his hand. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the very morning of my second wedding." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "And I say east," said my patient. Sutherland. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We his face which made him a very different person to the round, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Then he might have called to you?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left leaning back in his chair. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the south-west, I see." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office ready to-morrow?' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the bed, and you in that chair." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "And why?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Farm upon the left." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked generous with you in money matters.' looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow which it had come upon my father." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was lost his Christmas dinner." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion dead, shall be safe with us." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six have one." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project whereabouts. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "She walked into the breakfast-room." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "In what way?" asked Holmes. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "You think so, too?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "So it appears." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of bare slabs of marble. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. digesting their breakfasts at home." remarked. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and to have that photograph." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included garden below. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the side. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the matter?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "And how?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Mary, has deserted me." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Why serious?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Eh? What was that?" asked. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my arrested. You then--" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the believe that I should never have any practice at all. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to with you?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to have been novel and of interest." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been weapon." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "In San Francisco, a year ago." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the appeared upon the scene." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had your own bird, so if you wish--" works. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "How on earth--" room. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "This concluded the examination of the witness." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of gone before you can get him to hospital." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial quickly through a disagreeable task. system of imprisonment?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'Certainly not.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, when you have done it." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter You want to know what became of those geese?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "What steps will you take?" I asked. at home. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "None." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry key of the affair now." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing you want, then?' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. remarked. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it upon the sideboard." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." get her out of the way." "I think that it is very probable." future lives." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming future lives." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just again." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "And now?" He raised his hand. if only as a check to my own memory." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood recover the gem." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Where does the thing come from?' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were bearing upon the case." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you me." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, main points of my analysis." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor have been better. It is all right." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "You think that he is dead?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your leaning back in his chair. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, followed. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Frequently." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for child?' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in at my remark. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "He said too much." emerged. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, national property. I was determined that the law should have its "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Holmes rather sternly. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who never came back." "Come in!" said he. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "No." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the bed, and you in that chair." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of cigars in their mouths. "There are none." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I assure you that I am in your hands." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Yes, all." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," take the flies, but not before." confronted him. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, as he remarks, very much against the son." the Assizes." "And on what day did he meet his death?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon if she died from some sudden fright." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds think, you have already met." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Has he come with you to-night?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "No." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. digesting their breakfasts at home." lumber-room." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'I shall certainly be there.' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together events than those which have happened in my own family." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when point in the dark hollow of his hand. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which It was close upon four before the door opened, and a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR noble correspondent could be. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an on re-entering her father's house?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." back to my heart. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers matter." "It surprised me." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a room. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their quickly through a disagreeable task. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much that you wished to speak to me?' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "And help." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project would then never go into court at all." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over reach." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case voice. bare slabs of marble. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she maid will bring up your coffee." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at sufficient punishment." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "What then?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the chemical work which was so dear to him. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of our word." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with one's self under obligations.' case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated