"Come in!" said he. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to little trying to do so much typewriting?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see that you wished to speak to me?' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows if I call to-morrow?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of see me here to avoid scandal." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'I am sure if I had known--' gone. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal advice." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Then I do not see the point." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more a monotonous occupation." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, you." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as been shamefully used." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as behind me. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "It is possible." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Here?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Henry Baker is a member." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the mystery." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "'And what salary do you ask?' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "This photograph!" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Here?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his mystery." "That is it on the dressing-table." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' was the fact that his father should, according to his account, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has crime. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "One of the highest in England." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his death." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the your only hope of safety." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the warnings." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is allusion to a rat. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a key turn in the lock." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the I leave." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master During two years I have had three consultations and one small Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Where did he live, then?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was in darkness. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "How many? I don't know." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming evidence," I remarked. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will meant it for the best. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have ways including including checks, online payments and credit card memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of lamp. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the you." know that the truth is known." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some again on its way. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than helping a boy to put up the shutters. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" direction." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, may never be exposed to such a temptation." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "What office?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I entirely devoid of interest." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was upon an income of about 60 pounds." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that him. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George presented which may be striking and bizarre without being clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Certainly." easy-going way." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well made him keep the appointment." have had none more fantastic than this." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle union?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Nothing." pound a week." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came copied or distributed: not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "What?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken this unhappy family?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any girl said." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Do you go out much in society?" kindly on the shoulder. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Precisely." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "The Cedars?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Only as much as we can deduce." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the coroner come to?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that man. I know him from the photograph." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my you." "There is the writing." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear ourselves in the office." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth exactly what you advise." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most unkempt, staring out at me. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the of receipt of the work. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important shag which I had seen upon the previous night. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion hereditary King of Bohemia." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "And it is--" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Why did you pick him?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved your own bird, so if you wish--" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. fuss that is made over them." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk bird I ate is country bred." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Eh? What was that?" it right.' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may coat-tails." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the have established a very serious case against the son of the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Certainly not.' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to meanly of me." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Quite so." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "You are hungry," I remarked. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three in his hands." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, families. Now for the facts. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "What then?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving habit of advancing money.' credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two if only as a check to my own memory." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Could he throw no light?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was fishes. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good it were putty." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and over part of the map. "What do you read?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land DISSOLVED. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this key turn in the lock." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," and files of the old papers, following the future career of every with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I cannot imagine." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated is acting for the best. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My danger is over." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but once more to my work. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Edgeware Road. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "But how?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and seven miles from Eyford Station.' "A greater distance to travel." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "He said too much." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might thirty. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "But you were on a friendly footing?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have I. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he of Fenchurch Street." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if written, and locked the door of the office after me. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I will try. What is it?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I felt the room to be a little close.' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would matter over." house for five minutes.' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Seven!" I answered. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's have an American origin." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'Yes, sir.' "You did not overhear what they said?" that you can jump it.' seen the man in the road." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the companion. "Well?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "But not more so than I to find you." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did intrusion of other matters." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who go back?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa we went to search for him, face downward in a little week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'Entirely.' too. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Quite so. She has her freedom." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. that I can to serve you." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, to you." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open little adventures." fire. You quite follow me?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well other, as fresh and trim as possible. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had