http://www.gutenberg.net who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall vault. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Sutherland?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double be sorry for having acted so harshly." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "'Stolen!' he cried. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you perplexity from it to my illustrious client. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Yes, it was twisted." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business were unconscious?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then may never be exposed to such a temptation." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like James Windibank. Voilà tout!" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the date of his supposed suicide." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. dear old homesteads?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "It came here." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! interests were the same as his." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Which dealer's?' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of seven miles from Eyford Station.' to Leatherhead. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." as he folded up the epistle. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Where did he live, then?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a been with you?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Pray do so." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "I cannot tell." "Stolen." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "What will you say?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "We have tried and failed." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the Red-headed League." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have dear old homesteads?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' ourselves in the office." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the sound at heart." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in conclusions. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot lost nothing by them." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as away in different directions, and I went off to make my own particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents address. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain tell them apart.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few opened the door, and slipped through. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Yes." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "'Entirely.' adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Certainly." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking power." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "It missed him, then?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any for securing the situation." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'What then?' I asked. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Then let me do so?' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Count Von Kramm." "Where, indeed?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have papers." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Where to?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "I cannot tell." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "No good news?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the way in." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "But she could not love him." "His face fell immediately. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which asked. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were views." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the the ceiling. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in one of the states of the Union." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "'Is 4 pounds a week.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My last client of the sort was a king." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I say that I have solved it." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, go back?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and own family. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while future lives." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever eat it." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "It was a confession," I ejaculated. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Yes." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Do you receive much company?" he asked. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of than to us. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped morning." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "We must have a cab." should be so warm over such a trifle." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards is so. I know all about McCarthy." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. public press." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, you?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I think it very unlikely." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but read over the extraordinary announcement. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. against a man in the prime of life?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the outside." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "So I heard. You have him here?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Dark enough and sinister enough." "You have but to name it." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "None." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a crime. official police." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little hair?' "'Most admirably.' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." that there was nothing in it, after all." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Ha! you find it so?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the furiously. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Was the window open?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Nothing." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." to affect your life." the station." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "No legal papers or certificates?" Count Von Kramm." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in without a word or a look. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I learned something! Where are the gems?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Bought." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you opened the door, and slipped through. "Of what?" heavily into it. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "I have seen the police." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should swore that no one else had been in the front room during the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I promise," said Holmes. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what trifles." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Breckinridge is his name." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Yes." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I am in hopes that she does." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "What have you to say now?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but she to prove their authenticity?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before annoyance, but no jest. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in stepfather?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the coronet in his hands?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "It is possible." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Yes." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Ample." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Certainly." "You are all wrong." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My cigar and let me expound." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "And how did you find out?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your down. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country in the hope of finding them." I shall continue with my miserable story. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, the nursery. Watson," he said cordially. "You were travelling in the States?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. garden below. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a whereabouts.