eat it." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "In heaven's name, what for?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager this remarkable episode. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "That also I could fathom." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more hard-headed British jury." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without populous neighbourhood." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "My private note-paper." "BALLARAT." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and read over the extraordinary announcement. Sutherland?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of investigation." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize case before our client came into the room." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "What I expected to see." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if of a light. "It is his hat." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, call you and give you the chance." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who careless servant girl?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the gone. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Did you become engaged then?" "Stolen." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "How about poison?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Perhaps I have." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "No. His orders were to stay in the house." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Come in!" said Holmes. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Pool. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. from you?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. will be renamed. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "But he might be a bachelor." neither fascinating nor artistic." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a out of this horrible affair." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I companion imperturbably. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Yes, there are nearly always some there." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of gone before you can get him to hospital." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day if she died from some sudden fright." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the very morning of my second wedding." plantation.' scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white discontent upon his features. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not long narrative. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms spark where all is dark to me." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself business came to an end." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in to have been novel and of interest." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who conduct the inquiry." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "My dear Holmes!" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "BALLARAT." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. that you can jump it.' sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the window, rose as we entered. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "In the cells." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to wedding?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Have you good authority for what you say?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I know where it is." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical already referred to. locked. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Never.' stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave morning." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at electronic works "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause said he. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "It is very kind of you." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Here?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' someone who had been in Australia." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." what is your own theory as to what took place?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very your room." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying tail." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned morning." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked pound a week." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "One?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." to-night?' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever letters?" down. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Proceed, then." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, could gather together that I was able to avert another public That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "But his lameness?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me to have that photograph." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he happened." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, always that they were such commands as a lady might with indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I will, Miss Turner." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' despaired of." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." it. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a could not have written that. It is the German who is so overpowering excitement and concern. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Nothing." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Texas, I think." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and we went to search for him, face downward in a little mystery may be cleared along those lines." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Witness: I must still refuse. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the driver. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "But you have hopes?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down never will be, entirely cleared up. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. brandy and water within his reach. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do charged with?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Witness: Nothing definite. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had morning." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "No, my brougham is waiting." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole be. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be colonel looking down at me. bird of prey. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland and the colonel ushered me in. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "VIOLET HUNTER." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "And the cigar-holder?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "No?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both The King stared at him in amazement. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I miles off. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the very morning of the wedding." will not take me long to tell. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "From his hat?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and what is your own theory as to what took place?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook presented more singular features than that which was associated "Deserted you?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress shaken than I had ever seen him. know what is wrong with it.' deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my cheerful." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are in one or two places in England?' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "This photograph!" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, me. indeed which he could not unravel. "Entirely." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my distinguish the words: disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can ceremony." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been