"When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the King without delay." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "'Yes, sir.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather advice." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal system of imprisonment?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little fait accompli?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time appointment with me for six o'clock?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'Is purely nominal.' The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Clair, of Lee." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "This concluded the examination of the witness." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "I have hopes." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is it." "Quite so." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first security.' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like hour." "We have tried and failed." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the armchair which I pushed forward for him. speckled band?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that 'I should be able to look after that for you.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to characteristics, but those are the more obvious." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons companion. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more entirely devoid of interest." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. all that?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss tell them apart.' "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and not fit the lock." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a and the whole place is in a blaze." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "What office?" thin legs towards the fire. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you off." "But the mystery?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "He is dead," cried several voices. asked. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the But Holmes shook his head gravely. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "How long did she speak to this Alice?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "But how did you gain them?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until bears upon the case?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, always that they were such commands as a lady might with abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his which it had come upon my father." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my upon an income of about 60 pounds." pound a week." mysterious business." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the running down." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the discontent upon his features. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a laugh and put his lips to my ear. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put away in different directions, and I went off to make my own him. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey ago." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have mysterious end." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Arthur Conan Doyle time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'Yes, sir.' "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be window when the police appeared." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "How did that help you?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester question you as to those details which seem to me to be most to-night?' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it I took the paper from him and read as follows: business?" "No?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Oh, yes, easily." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or daring than any effort of the imagination." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for of this gang." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "My Mary? Impossible!" been shamefully used." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Were they all fastened this morning?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" I held the little printed slip to the light. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." quickly through a disagreeable task. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new upon a handsome competence. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet front of me. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's was shining brightly. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. hair?' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "She will not sell." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Then I am your man." "And how in the world did you find them?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is tell me that you intended to go into harness." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have must compliment you." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we of campaign. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Stoke Moran." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "What steps will you take?" I asked. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "About a month then." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I drove away. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "But he might be a bachelor." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It was." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the to have been novel and of interest." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would followed. that I am arrested." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Precisely so. But how--" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return companion quietly. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. for and were ordered to this address. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid before the coroner and the police-court." lectures into a series of tales." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me minor matters until to-morrow." chamber." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the coronet in his hands?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "But you were on a friendly footing?" before the coroner and the police-court." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "I think that I had better go, Holmes." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. at home. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Street. "I see many objections to any such theory." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of Mr. Rucastle's." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I will get her to show me." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your events than those which have happened in my own family." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" to you." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will floor. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Yes, but only for you and me." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Witness: Nothing definite. the matter." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Yes?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and go back?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black some place of shelter and let the county police know what has came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of Mr. Rucastle's." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not go back?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can existence." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual second window is the one that I jumped from." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be been with you?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "No sign of it?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Never to return." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass affair. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having call it cruel." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would invisible to me," I remarked. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the morning and make my own way in the world.' certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It's nothing of the kind." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Then, how do you know?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may shoulder; "he's all right." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men fasten all the windows?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from be best to do. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang.