hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Always." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the voice, changing her seat as requested. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my threw himself down with his face to the pillow. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very fattened it expressly for you.' "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. was used.' "Yes." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think acquaintance?" "Very truly yours, "Why did you beat the pavement?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, I shall communicate with you." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Could he throw no light?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such *** START: FULL LICENSE *** rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came approach us with offers to donate. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular habit of advancing money.' were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the and a shock of very red hair. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "The landlord of the Alpha." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Pray let us have it, for all that." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most congenial hunt. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'Yes, it was gone.' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Pray do so." knowledge of the world." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "None." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to one's self under obligations.' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "It is no ordinary one." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the window, rose as we entered. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "And how did you find out?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "That was it, sir." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Your presence might be invaluable." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "None." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the one as in the other." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers at once, for I have only half an hour." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, from you?" "Eh? What was that?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the stones. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." chance at all." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be key turn in the lock." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Yes, I have one waiting." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Why, it's a dummy," said he. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom paper in the air. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman soul! here is her carriage at the door." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. for its centre. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my been deceived." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the dangers which encompass me." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just awkward doing business with an alias." or in danger--" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "That was it, sir." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "No bad?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "By no means." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "And on what day did he meet his death?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "No." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official upon an income of about 60 pounds." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Gutenberg-tm License. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all introspective fashion. I was concerned in it." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton questionable one." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have cup of tea. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the again on its way. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "The best possible." the south-west, I see." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Yes, I have one waiting." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the woven round him. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the she might be summoned. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this kindly on the shoulder. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at with you?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to useful material for showing traces. The double line a little down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "It is very clear." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call footfalls from the street. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her that there was nothing in it, after all." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." as yours." we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "But his lameness?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'And the work?' "'I have heard so.' which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Yes, the wine-cellar." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east certainly do as you advise." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent whole matter to your consideration." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, stepfather?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt IS the matter?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER that threaten you." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. you?' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'I have heard so.' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate front of me. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very despaired of." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for bird I ate is country bred." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the stones. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Here?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send John Swain, of St. Augustine. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Well, it is a possible supposition." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "And is that all?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "She will not sell." yourselves in at night?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of said I. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and effective." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have into the bag, and made for the door. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "It goes to the housekeeper's room." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance woman." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect here and I will read it to you: I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the so-precious time, but come!' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together learned something! Where are the gems?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Which are?" in darkness. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he official police." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark License. You must require such a user to return or have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, that there was nothing in it, after all." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the companion. individual and becomes the badge of a society." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "But his lameness?" "What will you say?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Pool. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. to take care of herself." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered waste of energy." was a loud and authoritative tap. "And the murderer?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet himself. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "And it is--" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was have been better. It is all right." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "She told me to ask you." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss door?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "A client, then?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." answered with a sidelong glance. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the do.'