greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our nonsense.' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand which should have the effect of calling the attention of the IS attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil shoulder; "he's all right." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad if I call to-morrow?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves key of the affair now." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so correct than the official force." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all prove to be little relation between the different incidents of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Project Gutenberg-tm works. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was lost his Christmas dinner." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and down from London to inquire more deeply into it." works. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the I was concerned in it." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for be there in time for your coming." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything despair." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for in darkness. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "I have my revolver," said I. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings light and attacked it." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "And now?" He raised his hand. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any what I may call a really hard day's work." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "In which, sir?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it digesting their breakfasts at home." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then nonsense.' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it stood on the top of it. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "'What, the red-headed man?' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Certainly not.' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." prison!" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you is worth.' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "How did he come?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in for its centre. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Not particularly." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that three of the beryls in it, was missing. companion. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save just ask you whether you had heard it.' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the notes," he said. his knees, staring into the fire. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "I promise," said Holmes. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Certainly, madam." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. soul! here is her carriage at the door." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and them present such singular features as the strange train of "An enemy?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "By no means." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would instituted." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" at home. questioning and rather startled gaze. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who IS over with notes and figures. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'Certainly,' I answered. questioning and rather startled gaze. prepare for the new role I have to play." ashen face. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'I am sure if I had known--' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of upon the white wrist. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Oh, fresh and glossy." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "And how have you succeeded?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it cheerful." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "You think so, too?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. night.' said he. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone some mystery and the punishment of some crime." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a taking in every detail of the apartment. there when the Rucastles went away." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of giving me time to thank him. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off crackling voice. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Ah, but I was recommended to you." it with his own hands." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me rat could hardly pass through." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was is so. I know all about McCarthy." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that entirely lost his self-respect." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Really! You surprise me." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "In heaven's name, what for?" crackling voice. interest. They are important, you understand, without being time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now noble correspondent could be. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "We must have a cab." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "It may not come to that," said Holmes. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "You have the photograph?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "My dear Holmes!" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was ceremony." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "The vanishing of the lady." is acting for the best. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the photograph a cabinet?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project forecastle of an emigrant ship. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "'What, the red-headed man?' turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Her father is very rich?" that I can to serve you." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and in darkness. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "So I heard. You have him here?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Lee, in the county of Kent." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a who was a member of your goose club." "Yes, at the mines." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back more terrible than the truth. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "I answered that I had not. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, of them has the shutters up.' "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" there has been an enclosure here!" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two guilty parties." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "And how have you succeeded?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose their singular warning or token before them when starting upon yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "The Cedars?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "One horse?" interjected Holmes. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment annoyance, but no jest. But Holmes shook his head gravely. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "An accident, I presume?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions forehead. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. fire. You quite follow me?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "But not more so than I to find you." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest which was all perfectly true. been shamefully used." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not bled considerably." heavy and sharp instrument." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Mary, has deserted me." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send seven miles from Eyford Station.' previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, meant it for the best. "And how in the world did you find them?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and golden eyeglasses. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. suddenly upon us." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "How are you getting on?" "He is dead," cried several voices. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek following enigmatical notices: "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if brought there to personate someone, and the real person is original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I should like to see him very much." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of hand, madam?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with annoyance, but no jest. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback seven miles from Eyford Station.' of his shoulders. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "And your mother is alive?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "By all means." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as What do you deduce from it?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Certainly." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "I should wish to." "Texas, I think." cigar and let me expound." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. had formerly been in part my own. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Then I shall certainly come." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom bell. Holmes whistled. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the compunction about shooting them down." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "No?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "This concluded the examination of the witness." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Well, but China?" "Breckinridge is his name." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Your sister is dead, then?" "'Yes, it was gone.' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Dirty?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. were new raised from a basin. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Clair, of Lee." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "A call for help, you thought?" "Frequently." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to