me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. business at Coburg Square is serious." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern coroner's jury." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "None." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Deserted you?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "It is a murder, then?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "I see many objections to any such theory." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, wife's character?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the examine." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Eyford." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "It looks newer than the other things?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, to me. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my may have an influence upon European history." relief. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and assist you in forming an opinion." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" redistribution. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's to some other building. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" might help us?" that I am arrested." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "He disappeared so suddenly." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something tassel actually lying upon the pillow. not personally threatened." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it bearing upon the case." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of a monotonous occupation." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the to that open window." events than those which have happened in my own family." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged prepare for the new role I have to play." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Not particularly." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough awaited us upon the table. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "But his left-handedness." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and might have a private word with us. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited was feeling which was the fattest.' 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "I am all attention, madam." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to-night?" I asked. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the unprofitable." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a room had already been engaged for us. "But not more so than I to find you." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece sentimental considerations in the background which would induce not within a twentieth part of the market price." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "It must be recovered." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'I am sure if I had known--' down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone to you." "What steps will you take?" I asked. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "That is it on the dressing-table." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter have been better. It is all right." than was visible to me." Arthur Conan Doyle of his shoulders. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding bachelor.' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too my friend's incisive reasoning. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything his grey eyes. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good father's young wife. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the Red-headed League." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare to his chemical studies. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And what did you see?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock was a loud and authoritative tap. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the driver. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "But what harm can there be in that?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention lost his Christmas dinner." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until me upon any point which I do not make clear." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'Ample.' examine." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the shoulder; "he's all right." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" learned something! Where are the gems?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than spare." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get indiscretion." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. investigation." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Could he throw no light?" "None." "But his left-handedness." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." waste of energy." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Then how many are there?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he 1.F. is now desirous of getting those letters back." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to overpowering excitement and concern. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "That also I could fathom." trying to your nerves." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. had a long day." guilty parties." is so. I know all about McCarthy." not as remarkable as your advertisement." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the galvanised. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place cigar and let me expound." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "But of what society?" "At what time?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and something of him before." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, meanly of me." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences forehead. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the of a light. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well to talk it over. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "So I have heard." newspaper selections." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "What is it, then--a fire?" "And why?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through works. See paragraph 1.E below. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'Ample.' "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive some city in a dream. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Nearly eleven." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had together. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I would pay ten." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Munro.' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then made his money." cigars in their mouths. appeal." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. ran thus: the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his for securing the situation." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco narrative." my room." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been visitors." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Countess of Morcar's?" "One of the highest in England." "Breckinridge is his name." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE tell them apart.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to noble correspondent could be. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates voice, changing her seat as requested. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his felt the room to be a little close.' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "That is it on the dressing-table." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It is his hat." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they held up the lantern and gazed about him. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered