took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the devil!" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "None." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "And how in the world did you find them?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped hopeless attempt at recovering them." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the bottom.' man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you ashen face. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, opportunities to fix the problem. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Literary Archive Foundation a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Holmes. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Yes, he did." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" did not hear it also.' salesman. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some whereabouts. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon strength in the others." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a man. I know him from the photograph." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I don't say that. Perhaps." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by my room." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I himself. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "And I to find an enemy." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were DAMAGE. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. this man was intellectual?" sofa. This way, please!" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding threw himself down with his face to the pillow. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "No." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Not I." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird pierced for earrings?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, never will be, entirely cleared up. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which presented more singular features than that which was associated ceremony." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my not as remarkable as your advertisement." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the drawing your inferences." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the so-precious time, but come!' something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project examine." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "My Mary? Impossible!" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" notes," he said. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "My photograph." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who passage and a tap at the door. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or that before taking the final step I should like to submit the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Holmes' room. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Lestrade of Scotland Yard." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is there is a decided draught." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up fashion which was peculiar to him. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "It is true that I have been generally successful." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. charged with?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "No bad?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It is solved." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." noting anything else of interest. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations one else, I think." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss cigars in their mouths. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was passage and a tap at the door. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior and glanced through. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. be there in time for your coming." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us you?" "To an end?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "She showed me, as I told you she would." that threaten you." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some bedroom door." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in way in everything. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees as this. Pray let me have the details." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the King without delay." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I answered that I had not. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. annoyance, but no jest. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a rat could hardly pass through." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker that he will be back before evening." done what I asked you, Jones?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man conduct the inquiry." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the stable lane now." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering come either from the window or the door. My attention was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" chair. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a I held the little printed slip to the light. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely 1.F. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature chambers. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon this as likely?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might that he will be back before evening." "But his left-handedness." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' this man was intellectual?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a to arrive at through this?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "VIOLET HUNTER." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'There is a drive, then?' with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" drawing your inferences." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with to have been novel and of interest." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'Certainly not. But why?' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, I nodded again. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently then?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of begun to whiten, even as mine has." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all have had none more fantastic than this." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy of his shoulders. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted not as remarkable as your advertisement." gone before you can get him to hospital." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. your troubles." prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the clanging. sneer upon his pale face. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are villagers almost as much as their master. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I past. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. forehead. just called myself is not exactly my own." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the companion quietly. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come happened." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "At the wedding breakfast." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" least a fellow-countryman. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of I held the little printed slip to the light. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." asked with his eyes open. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Edgeware Road. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Yes, but only for you and me." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "An accident, I presume?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "It's nothing of the kind." questionable one." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to have not had my rubber." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "It is his hat." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the and wait." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Precisely so. But how--" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I am about to be married." "It is no ordinary one." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their Street. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever dramatic, in fact." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them seem to you to be relevant or not." disappearance of the bride.'" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "In which, sir?" "By no means." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." done what I asked you, Jones?" "I am in hopes that she does." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. several quiet little villages up there." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Eyford at 11:15.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "The doctor?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'Certainly not.' his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters happened." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the inquest, and which are worth considering." at a side door. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think him, that man would not have given me such complete information glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of 'please.'" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the writing, and yet I know it well." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back that, and I came down." cheerful." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I ran thus: "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is sooner or later she must fall a victim. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this discontent upon his features. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?'