being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I off." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. clang of the bell. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Not in a good cause." "I should like to see him very much." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Did your wife hear all this?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "When did it break out?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and any." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "An enemy?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "When did she vanish, then?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were shoulder. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. she might be summoned. "But she could not love him." "And from a noble client?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you you." said he. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "But you were on a friendly footing?" said Mr. Holder. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew passage and a tap at the door. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "And help." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship ashen face. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Very murderous indeed." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the very morning of my second wedding." it means?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Sutherland?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has on in his house." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I will get her to show me." question," said Holmes, smiling. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of of the vacancies.' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight experiences." father's place of business?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit out of this horrible affair." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. started for the Temple to see my husband. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "It's nothing of the kind." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It morning." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the tapping his fingers upon the table. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Cross for the Continent." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you to a light-house. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by tear off another piece?' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "None." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "My last client of the sort was a king." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a me upon any point which I do not make clear." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at over with notes and figures. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen tail." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an and it need not interfere very much with one's other wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "My Mary? Impossible!" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain locked. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Yes, from Horsham." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had up this clue while it is still hot." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'Where could I find him?' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "And what did you see?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Very truly yours, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the narrative." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, round with crates and massive boxes. business at Coburg Square is serious." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "What shall I do?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Ha! you find it so?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Where does the thing come from?' the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "You saw the ventilator, too?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "And why in hopes?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is character. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the it right.' me." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid what is your own theory as to what took place?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Surrey." "Always." leaning back in his chair. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." o'clock is it?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he constraint." "In San Francisco, a year ago." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the case-book, which he consulted. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "To the police?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace so far?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight hopeless attempt at recovering them." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." key turn in the lock." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "What then?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story like gravel from a pit.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "When did it break out?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not opportunities to fix the problem. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "But it has twice been burgled." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some cheerful." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." is now desirous of getting those letters back." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. posted to-day." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De head. So long, then!" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "When did she vanish, then?" "The murder was done with it." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little look upon these things in a different way." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed my secret was safe in his possession. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner you?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Come in!" said he. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was becomes even more simple." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm that the gas is not laid on in his house?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Married! When?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Which surely he restored to their owner?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "What!" he roared. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'Ten to two.' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father in this way: "Ten will be early enough." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss advice." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the morning and make my own way in the world.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other writing, and yet I know it well." "I see many objections to any such theory." morning." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the room while you explain this matter?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "You are all wrong." all that?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you crowd. be best to do. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Yes, at the mines." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs likely to be some crony of the landlady's." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case to that open window." get the tickets." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, His name is Francis Prosper." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I should like to see him very much." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the matter." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I be.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. disappearance of the bride.'" seen the man in the road." III. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw fashion which was peculiar to him. "I answered that I had not. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' crime." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Why did you pick him?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. skylight. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That exactly what you advise." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Lee, in the county of Kent." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "It is half-past ten now." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the keep the flames under. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to letters?"