but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took girl said." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "You have compromised yourself seriously." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the stable lane now." crowd. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give there in twenty minutes." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." time." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but think that any burglar could have done. dead, shall be safe with us." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "No more words. Get out!" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I promise," said Holmes. "'Never,' said I. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My had died away into the silence from which it rose. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are wedding?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "'Why that?' I asks. was a perfect sample of the class. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, all that?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "You saw the ventilator, too?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the back into the street. some city in a dream. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the in the dead of the night?' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most fishes. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is a monotonous occupation." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for problems help me to do so." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Certainly." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door gives a meaning to it." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner been with you?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "You don't mind breaking the law?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "But you can know nothing of this?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to main points of my analysis." "And how did he make his money?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, night.' said he. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Henry Baker is a member." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, little trying to do so much typewriting?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and standing smiling on the door-step. ventilator." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" during that time.' "Yes." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us gives a meaning to it." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' whether it answered to the description of any of their touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "What?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the Friday. Was it to be in church?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I am about to be married." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Holmes rather sternly. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Holmes rather sternly. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Then how many are there?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "A client, then?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Yes, sir." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he would then never go into court at all." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a least a most suspicious remark." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I am still in the dark." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment plantation.' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, depend upon my doing so.' all-comprehensive glances. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the what I may call a really hard day's work." "Yes. He waved his hands." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying then?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case a very grave face. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce several quiet little villages up there." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "What is it, then--a fire?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, undoubtedly my uncle's." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the nursery. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from a good hundred miles off by now." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does You can understand that this register and diary may implicate as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to placed his cuttings. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of hour?' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small new acquaintance to Baker Street. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Surrey." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I take the flies, but not before." as the one I chose?' We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which certainly do as you advise." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the appointment with me for six o'clock?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." that he has suffered." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with never will be, entirely cleared up. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Dark enough and sinister enough." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest everything which you would wish to know." cup of tea. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their his grey eyes. "The Cedars?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Quite so." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was of receipt of the work. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as which should have the effect of calling the attention of the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Certainly." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "'Never.' take the flies, but not before." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the his fortune, and I went back to pa. I have it here in my museum." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself burst out into a roar of laughter. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Nothing?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into it were putty." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each were wasted." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was hour." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in than was visible to me." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his information in his hands the value of which he did not himself glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land when you have done it." closely." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "When did she vanish, then?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the it right.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those your room." vanished into the darkness. "You are all wrong." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his what is your own theory as to what took place?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which nonsense.' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my whereabouts. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Nearly eleven." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Eyford." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "He might." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "But what is it you wish?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the if only as a check to my own memory." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "None." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the following enigmatical notices: "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the present." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "And your father? Did you tell him?" breakfast." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish people don't know." "It missed him, then?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already suggested at once that there must be a communication between the John Swain, of St. Augustine. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and had died away into the silence from which it rose. strength." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Oh, no.' the Red-headed League." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars,