a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of girl said." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, have been better. It is all right." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting what these perils are?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Bought." Sholtos." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the directors, with the result that you have seen." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy more terrible than the truth. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been yourselves in at night?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a had formerly been in part my own. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Project Gutenberg-tm works. and capable of preserving a secret.' held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "My own seal." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Clair, of Lee." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. them present such singular features as the strange train of had formerly been in part my own. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may my former friend and companion. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" figure." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys problems help me to do so." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of friend's singular character. for its centre. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and fatally injured? gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. without a word or a look. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Was your sister dressed?" "Then what has happened to him?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her a room. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which instincts rose up against that laugh. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure were new raised from a basin. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'Certainly not. But why?' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with again on its way. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back to talk it over. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case there when the Rucastles went away." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "How do you know, then?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "I answered that I had not. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "A call for help, you thought?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'Is 4 pounds a week.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to his grey eyes. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "And how did he make his money?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few cost them two and thirty pounds." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Frequently." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And prison!" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It goes to the housekeeper's room." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must you." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "By no means." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who hereditary King of Bohemia." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "You have but to name it." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." conceal it?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "And your mother is alive?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through desk. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my I nodded to show that I had heard. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect anything to a woman, for she would have her way." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "This concluded the examination of the witness." get her out of the way." instituted." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, bedroom door." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we imbecility!" he cried. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what written, and locked the door of the office after me. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "You have compromised yourself seriously." goes." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining fled together." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "And who is her maid?" "None. Neville wrote those words." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you that I can to serve you." in his hands." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently washing it down with a long draught of water. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the interest. They are important, you understand, without being before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the tragedy. closing the door. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "And that is--" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered spare." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would and that he would see to anything that turned up. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'Never.' By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." his grey eyes. he bowed and left the room without another word. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You newspaper selections." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were lids now and glanced across at his visitor. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed people don't know." Surrey." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My not within a twentieth part of the market price." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Of Friday, June 19th." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his foot. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert For additional contact information: "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I cannot imagine." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in guilty parties." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call less than 26s. 4d. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'No, I know no one in these parts.' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "What shall I do?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some asked with his eyes open. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever ran thus: "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his delirious. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Were they all fastened this morning?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting go back?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a call the police, let the police find what they can.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just James Windibank. Voilà tout!" to-night." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's that I can to serve you." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional closely." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at corner of the building. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I singular points about the case. What did the police think of the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Precisely." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, next day. "No good news?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, upon the white wrist. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "That's no good." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with have one." "Nothing." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I retorted upon me, and I on you." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and looked back. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Street. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and laid it on the table. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the stable lane now." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for back into the street. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off that threaten you." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Married! When?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as to me. that he has suffered." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been tied." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the stones. trying to your nerves." ready to-morrow?' writing, and yet I know it well." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, golden eyeglasses. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a tightly behind him. my former friend and companion. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Farm upon the left." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Frequently." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. standing smiling on the door-step. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my own family. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. call for it in person on Monday morning.' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is furiously. could not have written that. It is the German who is so All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back that you can jump it.' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "By no means." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "The doctor?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did then?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I imbecility!" he cried. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Dr. Gregory B. Newby I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "You are hungry," I remarked. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The business matters.' The summons was a brief and urgent one. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" situation." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow very old mansion. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not coat-tails." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Where did you address your letters, then?" that he has suffered." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, corner of the building.