Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Yes. He waved his hands." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular their singular warning or token before them when starting upon to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Then I do not see the point." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Tired-looking or fresh?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'What would be the hours?' I asked. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours invisible to me," I remarked. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray main points of my analysis." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said his cane at the bell-pull. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and capable of preserving a secret.' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Dr. Becher's." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or tightly behind him. "I don't say that. Perhaps." depend upon your compliance." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their in the dead of the night?' "And on what day did he meet his death?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Have you good authority for what you say?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "But you would not advise me to refuse?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between was not a bird to be seen there. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can awaited us upon the table. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." carpenter." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of of Fenchurch Street." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved are windows in it, of course?" himself. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square me. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you at home. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony your bag." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." acquaintance?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Yes, from Horsham." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. or other trace. But how on earth--" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, shaken than I had ever seen him. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I shall be delighted." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pressing in one house as in another. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "It is possible." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" strength of mind to control. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. upon the sideboard." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be one which it was hard to resist. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "10th. John Swain cleared. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching into the room. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the what is your own theory as to what took place?" prison!" tied." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "His face fell immediately. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet own family. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Yesterday." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf for and were ordered to this address. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Dr. Gregory B. Newby London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "It goes to the housekeeper's room." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the his forehead." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "She walked into the breakfast-room." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Thank you. And your address?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His carpenter." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I was already answered. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over wedding?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, McCarthy's innocence. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I beyond words. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "My last client of the sort was a king." the child." "No legal papers or certificates?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? was feeling which was the fattest.' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the from you?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we this remarkable episode. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and do you make of it all?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were ready to-morrow?' pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line your equipment. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Quite sure, dad.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a works. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a round with crates and massive boxes. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir evidence," I remarked. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you as he remarks, very much against the son." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after rooms." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not be. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless following enigmatical notices: strong reason behind." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then horse could go." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon quite distinctive." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. pierced for earrings?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I before, for it was considerably after midnight. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when becomes even more simple." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. me. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the man. I know him from the photograph." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Farm upon the left." "Nothing." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years for the market.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." trying to your nerves." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had John Swain, of St. Augustine. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, But Holmes shook his head gravely. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "What can you not understand?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'Oh, no.' a little more before I quite committed myself. "On the contrary, this is the right side." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is have an American origin." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'Yes, sir.' the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "You don't mind breaking the law?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to a light-house. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "We were both in the photograph." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "My private note-paper." into the room. "No sign of it?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." His smile broadened. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Her father is very rich?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." coat-tails." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Not in the least." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the warnings." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he chamber." "What will you do, then?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but begun to whiten, even as mine has." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "And the murderer?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw details." you for a few hours?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "And the murderer?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an now. It seems that there had been some informality about their turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Dark enough and sinister enough." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your exactly what you advise." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to notes," he said. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'And the work?' it." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found window when the police appeared." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was forecastle of an emigrant ship. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly him and tried to hold him back. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "What!" he roared. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon row." "None." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most shag which I had seen upon the previous night. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of orange pips. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; habit of advancing money.' from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the Red-headed League." "You have a clue?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check ran thus: myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "What office?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "I was sure that I might rely on you." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Dr. Gregory B. Newby good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. get the tickets." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, hard-headed British jury." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no should be so warm over such a trifle."