consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a companion. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, be there in time for your coming." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Very much so." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever not interfere, come what may. You understand?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take triumphant cloud from his cigarette. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I am following you closely," I answered. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "And why in hopes?" "Here?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Where to?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for have one." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, His name is Francis Prosper." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at indeed which he could not unravel. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the south-west, I see." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of there!' seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter will take you up to see the machine.' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "That's no good." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently humiliation." to tell." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent then?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked ordinary clothes on?" "None." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Ah!" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' confronted him. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "It is very kind of you." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old really the only notable feature about the thing." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City to affect your life." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of 1.F. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'How far from the body?' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "None." kind enough to tell me what I should do." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the might help us?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" guilty parties." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the gone. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "But she will refuse." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Stolen!' he cried. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. shaken than I had ever seen him. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to mystery." "'Then let me do so?' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "You have but to name it." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself outsides of the windows. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. corner of the building. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I have hopes." "Ample." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." have I gained?" definite end. not within a twentieth part of the market price." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office front of the hall door has given its name to the place. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." stammered. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'What, the red-headed man?' all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both events, Mr. Windibank!" "And from a noble client?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You forget that I know nothing about it." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need that I can to serve you." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, could not have written that. It is the German who is so hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "So I am. Very much so." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." coroner's jury." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I better in every way that they should make their position a little beg that you will break it off." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "But his lameness?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Just look it up, then." the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would if only as a check to my own memory." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace mystery may be cleared along those lines." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to any." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, chamber." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his page at http://pglaf.org Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the warnings." "That also I could fathom." case before our client came into the room." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had ways of our fellow-men." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and have been better. It is all right." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose you?' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some have had none more fantastic than this." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held was shining brightly. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "And why in hopes?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So indiscretion." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly back into the street. case-book, which he consulted. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Of what day?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid might have a private word with us. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of coat-tails." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'Most admirably.' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "He is still with you, I presume?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They speckled band?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, upon the white wrist. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Pope's Court. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." coat-tails." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you http://gutenberg.net/license). cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then IS Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Gutenberg-tm License. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you I took the paper from him and read as follows: you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is towards the blaze. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send photograph?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was acquaintance?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and cost them two and thirty pounds." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "We must have a cab." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each that he has suffered." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "It goes to the housekeeper's room." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is copied or distributed: American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Pool. I nodded again. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The her also." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, do you make of it all?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy during the last few years, and there are many noble families to came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Then, how do you know?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention this poor creature." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really It may be so in this case, also." colonel looking down at me. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of for and were ordered to this address. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the child." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his as he folded up the epistle. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich will not take me long to tell. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from indeed which he could not unravel. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Yes, that is the Crown." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Ten will be early enough." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his an introduction to him?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after You want to know what became of those geese?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. business in the City. She little knew what. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, fluttered off among the others. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "It goes to the housekeeper's room." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began ashen face. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "But of what society?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I don't say that. Perhaps." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." out." "How about poison?"