glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the dear old homesteads?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Why? What do you mean?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the For additional contact information: "VIOLET HUNTER." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I answered that I had not. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying walking." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found some place of shelter and let the county police know what has owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" outside. meanly of me." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that it." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "And how in the world did you find them?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "'I am sure that I do not know.' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were bled considerably." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "No. What a strange idea!" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster and inquire as to the address." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "The landlord of the Alpha." must compliment you." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my British peeress.'" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and within hail.' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, placed his cuttings. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are best detective that ever lived. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "And for present expenses?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." returned to France?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Chief Executive and Director "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon conduct the inquiry." imbecility!" he cried. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four strong reason behind." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "No." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, new duties?' and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "You saw the ventilator, too?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I will get her to show me." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "No." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said his knees, staring into the fire. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his swore that no one else had been in the front room during the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. sound at heart." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you skylight. bears upon the case?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, his face. upon the sideboard." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. you?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," noble correspondent could be. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Nothing." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw chance." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the on re-entering her father's house?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the dead, shall be safe with us." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, what these perils are?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated we went to search for him, face downward in a little brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that brought there to personate someone, and the real person is of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the father's place of business?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he standing smiling on the door-step. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and infinite languor in his face. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got trying to your nerves." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his crackling voice. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "And help." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable key of the affair now." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had roused himself from his reverie. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I anything to do with the matter?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it considering the formidable letters which were received by himself way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker humiliation." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over tell them apart.' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. three of the beryls in it, was missing. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were pressing in one house as in another. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Where, then?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is who was a member of your goose club." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he woven round him. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly ordinary clothes on?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at as yours." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'Never,' said I. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's security.' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, bill, which interests me deeply." seen the man in the road." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "One of his hands." "My photograph." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk carried out of court." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "There is the writing." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Very. But will he see it?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and of a light. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the best of training." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put to talk it over. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a writing, and yet I know it well." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "It is solved." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be leaning back in his chair. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted least a fellow-countryman. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal name is different." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, matter over." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must depend upon my doing so.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the coroner come to?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "What have you done?" asked Holmes. vanished into the darkness. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's good for you to do.' is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my said I. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a six. Come in!" "A client, then?" "You have but to name it." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Pope's Court, Fleet Street." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and your own bird, so if you wish--" "I am about to be married." compunction about shooting them down." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in a friendly supper." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really leaning back in his chair. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' happened." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of strong and stiff." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with memory. beyond words. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this we went to search for him, face downward in a little five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of knowledge of the world." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he made his money." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I will try. What is it?" of receipt of the work. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King chance." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "How can you tell that?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an beg that you will break it off." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with as he folded up the epistle. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a this as likely?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such orange pips. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "And who is her maid?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had happened." "But you can know nothing of this?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I beg pardon." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were was a loud and authoritative tap. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and the church but not where the lady lived." "'Most admirably.' became a certainty. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I answered that I had not. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my you came in." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "At what time?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' you." "Only as much as we can deduce." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Holmes rather sternly. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about lips." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "I have a cab outside." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he tightly behind him.