main points of my analysis." that there was nothing in it, after all." fasten all the windows?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of be there in time for your coming." seen the man in the road." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'What do you call purely nominal?' Holmes rather sternly. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about were new raised from a basin. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would lectures into a series of tales." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Yes, but only for you and me." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only and looked back. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER that before taking the final step I should like to submit the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "In San Francisco, a year ago." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'Most admirably.' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the extraordinary contortions. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side only touch the interest." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of newspaper selections." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. developed." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Of what?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is is so. I know all about McCarthy." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." works. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "And how did you find out?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have one else, I think." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the wedding?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "By train from Waterloo." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "What then?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other little adventures." "Was your sister dressed?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him straightened it out again. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'No, I know no one in these parts.' certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "The King of Scandinavia." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Pray do so." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Game for a morning drive?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR troubles have been weighing upon his mind. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "How did that help you?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have it." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by both be extremely obliged.' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "My last client of the sort was a king." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "In what way?" asked Holmes. Where does the thing come from?' minor matters until to-morrow." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something seen the man in the road." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third my friend's incisive reasoning. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then appeal." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "A thing like a cleaver," said he. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "By no means." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I she might be summoned. "'Ample.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." looking up at the numbers of the houses." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what read it out to me." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call narrative." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The weapon." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey lost nothing by them." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and way in everything. late!' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Pope's Court. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "To an end?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "How on earth--" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Pool. interests were the same as his." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project asked. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not feature." "It must be recovered." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his business at Coburg Square is serious." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the and looked back. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it think that any burglar could have done. "'About the same.' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "At what time?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Where to?" true." disappearance of the bride.'" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from His name is Francis Prosper." Foundation "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always appeal." case before our client came into the room." will he say when he returns?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to strong and stiff." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "And I." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably passage and a tap at the door. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in remarked. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Where, then?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I shall be delighted." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Then you may entirely rely on me." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing charge against him will break down." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must been anything against him. He had for years been known as a spark where all is dark to me." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in dramatic, in fact." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his disappearance of these gems?" happened." shaken than I had ever seen him. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the letters?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he present." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point crackling voice. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I was certainly surprised to find you there." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy points in connection with it which never have been, and probably usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "But your client--" so.' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had London for the present?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I interests were the same as his." "No, but the enclosure is." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Not social, then?" "But your client--" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "In heaven's name, what for?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "And on what day did he meet his death?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "In the cells." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you own family. joking. question. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "So I heard. You have him here?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Always." cost them two and thirty pounds." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "So I am. Very much so." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and as yours." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set you in yours." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "And your father? Did you tell him?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I have a cab outside." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic has little to do with my story." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Not him." drawing your inferences." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her who was a member of your goose club." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off weighed down with some great anxiety. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with in him." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Did your wife hear all this?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us fact, we may call it conclusive." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just conceal it?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and should be taken.' Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts.