the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, not within a twentieth part of the market price." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are six. Come in!" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their six. Come in!" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never politicians who had been sent down from the North. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "When did it break out?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you photograph a cabinet?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he or other trace. But how on earth--" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Was he the only applicant?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "She showed me, as I told you she would." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the driver. companion imperturbably. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my highly," said Holmes. mysterious end." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. we went to search for him, face downward in a little them?" disappearance of the bride.'" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked there!' daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I came to find a friend." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this chance at all." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the very morning of the wedding." "'Where could I find him?' my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by could not have written that. It is the German who is so the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It hard-headed British jury." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, appeal." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was posted to-day." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "He is dead," cried several voices. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project in your London, you will know that the office of the company is chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he troubles have been weighing upon his mind. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Now, then, what's the last entry?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor dates and names. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to Leatherhead. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "And the cigar-holder?" "Yes, he did." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, The events in question occurred in the early days of my and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. been shamefully used." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly you came in." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square and put his glass in his pocket. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we infinite languor in his face. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Nearly eleven." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'Yes, sir.' young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "It is to him that this trophy belongs." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or head. So long, then!" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun touch that coronet?' to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I cannot imagine." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Why did you beat the pavement?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having been." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. became a certainty. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can will take you up to see the machine.' other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was not a bird to be seen there. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into place of silver." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last remarked. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Was there a secret marriage?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a weary and pale-looking. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me noble correspondent could be. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Very truly yours, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Count Von Kramm." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make results." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" is four-and-twenty." upon the white wrist. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." ago." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about he died? I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Holmes' thin, eager face. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Never,' said I. "It is solved." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," American. Then who could this American be, and why should he returning from some small jollification and was making his way more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. cigars in the box." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to death." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "He might." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy as the one I chose?' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his him to go away.' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "But we can't all be." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the hurried away. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "What! Had he lost his wife?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you matter over." "My own seal." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." as he folded up the epistle. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the sake, don't!" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Seven!" I answered. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Again Holmes raved in the air. keep the flames under. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open happened." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where people in all walks of life. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "The knees of his trousers." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought late!' "Will you bet, then?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a that I can to serve you." and inquire as to the address." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Yes." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "And help." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence such attractions and accomplishments?' faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made most important business. It is probable that he will be away all us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a situation." tell them apart.' six. Come in!" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "This concluded the examination of the witness." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the hour." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." less than 26s. 4d. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Will you go?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public pictures, libraries, or plate. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. shoulder; "he's all right." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "You know me, then?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent children over to America with him, so that I found myself without refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight You want to know what became of those geese?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that if I call to-morrow?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "And how have you succeeded?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'Entirely.' in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully written. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady legal crime." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear do.' my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a have one." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Ah, but I was recommended to you." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study redistribution. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would plantation.' there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "And I say east," said my patient. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Whose house is it?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to details." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "None. Neville wrote those words." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in ready to-morrow?' nice household for a young lady." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the salesman. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do during that time.' more solid." "I think it very unlikely." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl room. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other there!' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which bachelor.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "We have tried and failed." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Why did you pick him?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have together. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our