seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Not yet." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "None." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the as he remarks, very much against the son." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper populous neighbourhood." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the not, dad?" she asked. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "It is a murder, then?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Deserted you?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "And I to find an enemy." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a time." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless strong reason behind." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'You cannot say what it was?' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. your only hope of safety." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for detective. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "What, then?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that which are rolled in Rotterdam." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Entirely." went to the Alpha were town bred." http://gutenberg.net/license). little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. there." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "That was it, sir." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Yes." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "And you don't know his address?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "And why?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I do." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and DAMAGE. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Pool. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some questioning and rather startled gaze. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed residence of the great financier. "Never to return." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "None." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Yes, only one." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, see a sister of mine apply for." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I have a cab outside." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw ashen face. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and neither fascinating nor artistic." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ nothing with him." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I will, Miss Turner." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they fashion which was peculiar to him. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "We have tried and failed." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the running down." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" husband's writing, madam." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional drawing your inferences." "How did he come?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'You cannot say what it was?' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come second window is the one that I jumped from." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "'Quite sure, dad.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, unclasping of his long thin hands. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Frequently." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a some terrible trap for her." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took tightly behind him. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. followed. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a husband's writing, madam." III. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual address. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" at once, for I have only half an hour." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its this truth that in these little records of our cases which you had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and coroner's jury." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "He said too much." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked His name is Francis Prosper." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It my little problems." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted status with the IRS. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from through." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "He said too much." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave instituted." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black goes." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out where Mr. Fordham shows you.' a monotonous occupation." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Count Von Kramm." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Here?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you without a word or a look. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in knowledge of the world." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "But it has twice been burgled." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I do." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning it." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" will take you up to see the machine.' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My people in all walks of life. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save disappearance of these gems?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I purpose equally well?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "What of the rat, then?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'It is locked up,' I answered. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'Yes, I promise.' there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The business at Coburg Square is serious." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. call for it in person on Monday morning.' and capable of preserving a secret.' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying them present such singular features as the strange train of request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most look upon these things in a different way." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I think it very unlikely." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private me, and I could not think that his explanation of the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is voice, changing her seat as requested. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may woman." electronic works are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the that he has suffered." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him brought there to personate someone, and the real person is this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, them?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to your only hope of safety." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped persecution?" "Well." green of the new foliage. "At the wedding breakfast." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "No good news?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Of Friday, June 19th." "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or drawing your inferences." upon the white wrist. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Street. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and no precautions can guard against." "What! Had he lost his wife?" results." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Did he not advertise?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our straighten it?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well read over the extraordinary announcement. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." for and were ordered to this address. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the matter?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It must be recovered." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" money should be paid at once.' "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not humiliation." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out will he say when he returns?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "A confidential servant?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." in the dead of the night?' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord man. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Will you go?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is