present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, have one." "On Monday." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. even of instruction." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Witness: It was. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a this unhappy family?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. in a friendly supper." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the distinguish the words: child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the I. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so tightly behind him. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "VIOLET HUNTER." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Not social, then?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he I shall continue with my miserable story. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads your bag." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and particular state visit http://pglaf.org "But I am all in the dark." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my his cane at the bell-pull. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Yesterday." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but to affect your life." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A The King stared at him in amazement. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing questioning and rather startled gaze. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in again." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and again before evening." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not affair. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Holmes, the busybody!" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I say it is." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he security.' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger not personally threatened." "Perfectly so." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite asked with his eyes open. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your address. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "But to whom?" his grey eyes. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded companion. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "The vanishing of the lady." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the general public were present, then?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This disappearance of the bride.'" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'Yes, sir.' "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, was shining brightly. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally said I. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'Is purely nominal.' relation between them, and what the object of his repeated as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "But who is he?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I do." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. to take care of herself." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the future lives." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient My friend smiled. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the general public were present, then?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up his forehead." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with mystery." in my life." said he at last. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the do.' this Miss Turner." burst out into a roar of laughter. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. bachelor.' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "On the contrary, this is the right side." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. which our visitor detailed to us. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Watson," he said cordially. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I into the room. papers." "I should wish to." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "My dear Holmes!" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the bird of prey. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Well, some hundreds of times." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a joking. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his crackling voice. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the fashion which was peculiar to him. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "But you have hopes?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and foot. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow present." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I cannot tell." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Thank you. Pray proceed." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "No sign of it?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do fat-encircled eyes. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of Fenchurch Street." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, with her." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern tell them apart.' nice household for a young lady." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "By no means." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had criminal. We have already had experience of such." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Could he throw no light?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and outbreak?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Witness: Nothing definite. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning one else, I think." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Certainly." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they always that they were such commands as a lady might with caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I depend upon your compliance." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "It surprised me." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "It is possible." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to time." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H was shining brightly. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Heh?' once more to my work. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the with you alone." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he rooms." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Stolen!' he cried. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. shall use the carriage to-night." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "But how?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'A dozen yards or so.' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account heavily into it. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, so.' "My Mary? Impossible!" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the night.' "No." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural words came to my lips. this man was intellectual?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there behind me. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of quickly through a disagreeable task. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "And now?" He raised his hand. this poor creature." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the armchair which I pushed forward for him. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Of Friday, June 19th." together. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "'Ten to two.' the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I will do it." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And how in the world did you find them?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, cigars in the box." John Swain, of St. Augustine. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Yes, only one." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no way: pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in more terrible than the truth. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you you do it in twenty minutes!' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "I am about to be married." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists.