chill to my heart. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, room. "I answered that I had not. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official in him." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. went to the Alpha were town bred." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, which it had come upon my father." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon chill to my heart. me upon any point which I do not make clear." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main skylight. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary deduce something from that?" "Witness: I must still refuse. that you wished to speak to me?' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I fear not." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his correct than the official force." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I murdered man." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There not use it unless it is absolutely needed." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns you." memory. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would mystery!" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "And your father? Did you tell him?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham business?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he occupations.' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has a suggestive one." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." back into the street. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." had this final quarrel? the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. eat it." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "My opinion is in no way altered." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, brandy and water within his reach. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "But we can't all be." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in walking." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Of what day?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to read it out to me." "'Never.' scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be she to prove their authenticity?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the ceiling. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home becomes even more simple." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'And the work?' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand off." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. not personally threatened." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "You have carte blanche." "A confidential servant?" I have it here in my museum." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Nothing?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "'What, the red-headed man?' We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this some city in a dream. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Holmes' face clouded over. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his foresight and the moral retrogression?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm papers must be those that are destroyed.' "'And the work?' business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, families. Now for the facts. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense woman who has had her own way to make in the world. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was my special province." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Here?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "She will not sell." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left along the entire front of the house, with three long windows redistribution. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'Yes.' "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed matters immensely." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which have one." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Yes." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Holmes. signal between you and your father? "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit to where he stood hid behind the curtain. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Who by?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right geese which you supplied to the Alpha." dear old homesteads?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of suggested at once that there must be a communication between the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go this truth that in these little records of our cases which you at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Of what day?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Yes." she might be summoned. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Farm upon the left." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "What are they?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Bought." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "No, but the enclosure is." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "But what harm can there be in that?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement chill to my heart. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Stolen." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, sufficient punishment." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Your sister is dead, then?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of name is different." "I shall most certainly do so." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "No." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, south, for the country is more deserted there." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "It's nothing of the kind." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I unprecedented a position." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her you." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an is," said he presently: hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business works. See paragraph 1.E below. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. I shall continue with my miserable story. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell go back?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Texas, I think." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "So I am. Very much so." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "No?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. crowd. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "No." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Entirely." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Not in the least." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "And your mother is alive?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "And how did you find out?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. there when the Rucastles went away." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. door?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Yes." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Is he quiet?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he served to weaken the effect. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to London for the present?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian started for the Temple to see my husband. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De a few minutes he said that it would be all right. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your must compliment you." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people behind me. tell them apart.' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should look upon these things in a different way." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the generous with you in money matters.' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive security.' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Pray let us have it, for all that." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the out." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of was used.' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "'Never,' said I. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your you in your example." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save 1.E.9. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." infinite languor in his face. there has been an enclosure here!" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission so far?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "I assure you that I am in your hands."