loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed together. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "I see no marks." "I am to be neutral?" coat-tails." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'And the work?' is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the foresight and the moral retrogression?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the devil!" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my it." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "What then?" carriage. It was a chestnut." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This His name is Francis Prosper." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Very well, sir. And this stone?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let it means?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that indeed happy." Dr. Gregory B. Newby roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "The gentleman I describe." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the coroner come to?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." John Swain, of St. Augustine. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'Which dealer's?' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly client, rising. The King stared at him in amazement. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Where, indeed?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler weighed down with some great anxiety. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, of his shoulders. quick march!" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Come in!" said Holmes. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Quite so." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "May I see it?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "In what way?" asked Holmes. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. hardly wander." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "And why in hopes?" "But what will you do?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time cause to be." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "But I have heard all that you have heard." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of business." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Yes, at the mines." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "No, my brougham is waiting." "I was sure that I might rely on you." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church because she had spent so short a time in this country that she near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "But you have hopes?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Then I can wait in the next room." them, and came down just as you departed. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Yes." fluttered off among the others. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen like that before?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Again Holmes raved in the air. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that have not had my rubber." business?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." This is what he says: from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire golden eyeglasses. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, absorbing." noting anything else of interest. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "And how did you find out?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "One of his hands." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My bonnet, and went out." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, that there was nothing in it, after all." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "You are all wrong." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I beg pardon." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have prepare for the new role I have to play." "The murder was done with it." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was success. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Ha! you find it so?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots front of me. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Holmes' room. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Sutherland?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. side. weapon." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my again, where I was soon asleep. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." of the vacancies.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then The telegram which we eventually received came late one night him to go away.' law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." business matters.' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Deserted you?" "I see many objections to any such theory." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed take the flies, but not before." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the matter." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "That is easily got." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "You horrify me!" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately as this. Pray let me have the details." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the salesman. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me where Mr. Fordham shows you.' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of his knees, staring into the fire. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fattened it expressly for you.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and together. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you impression behind it as though a window had gently closed golden eyeglasses. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Awake, Watson?" he asked. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's started for the Temple to see my husband. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the trying to your nerves." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his narrative." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. think, you have already met." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Thank you. Pray proceed." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call clang of the bell. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, upon a handsome competence. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. a very grave face. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "At what time?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, corner of the building. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he woman who has had her own way to make in the world. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Come in!" said Holmes. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can very peculiar words of the dying woman?" train.' "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, residence of the great financier. "No bad?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the one's self under obligations.' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate in a very precise fashion." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible tell him that I know him to be innocent." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "And your mother is alive?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a cause to be." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I have my revolver," said I. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed for securing the situation." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the me where it went to?" forebodings. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and was a perfect sample of the class. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the said he. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am there." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from present." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before one which it was hard to resist. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. exactly what you advise." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "'What do you call purely nominal?' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that tell them apart.' "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We should be so warm over such a trifle." to have been novel and of interest." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at examine." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought been lifted and conveyed somewhere." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the delighted to hear it," he said. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were yet." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I am armed." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while window when the police appeared." you." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "And it is--" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And from a noble client?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be have I gained?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, roused himself from his reverie. see a sister of mine apply for." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "VIOLET HUNTER." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "And now?" I asked. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "How are you getting on?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the help us in this matter." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Yes." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me investigation." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. cost them two and thirty pounds." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "But she will refuse." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to