"What are they?" "I should wish to." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Then how many are there?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight I think that I could be of assistance to you." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up annoyance, but no jest. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and always that they were such commands as a lady might with the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to with her." cigar and let me expound." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was impression behind it as though a window had gently closed is four-and-twenty." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Now, then, what's the last entry?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is astonishment. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "No." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "But the mystery?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear I shall communicate with you." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the garden below. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than his grey eyes. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "'As governess?' permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of maid will bring up your coffee." "I think that it is very probable." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not business at Coburg Square is serious." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had which should have the effect of calling the attention of the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I am armed." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but pressing in one house as in another. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she in the dead of the night?' it right.' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the side-table." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Nothing?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Nothing?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Cross for the Continent." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local on in his house." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. stammered. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. ago." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Holmes rather sternly. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the side-table." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the stammered. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the stable lane now." even of instruction." that you can jump it.' hurried away. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "How do you know, then?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and then?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be to Leatherhead. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Yes." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Very truly yours, make me his representative both with the servants and with the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "It is possible." "Then what has happened to him?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had letters?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of it." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative least a most suspicious remark." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "That you are never beaten." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Holmes. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's you understand?" meanly of me." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps fishes. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Could he throw no light?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "When did she vanish, then?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. nonsense.' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "But I am all in the dark." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the would apply.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew an introduction to him?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water meant." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. trifles." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Dr. Gregory B. Newby "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Perhaps I have." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here a room. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "How did you deduce the select?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl rose-bushes. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "But you were on a friendly footing?" "That is easily got." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the placed his cuttings. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "What will you do, then?" "What! a murderous attack?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'Certainly not.' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which opened the door, and slipped through. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he conclusions. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Nearly eleven." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "You horrify me!" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three served to weaken the effect. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an presume?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place woven round him. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a started for the Temple to see my husband. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "You were travelling in the States?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Never." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your tightly behind him. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I I approached. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss that I can to serve you." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "What!" he roared. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third could gather together that I was able to avert another public works. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on IS why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. http://www.gutenberg.net roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I of." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' pierced for earrings?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting fluttered off among the others. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the occurred." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, definite end. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'Never.' when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you your Highness to the police-station?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Have you good authority for what you say?" business matters.' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his wife's character?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project did not hear it also.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger depend upon my doing so.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "But not more so than I to find you." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my into the bag, and made for the door. "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Witness: Nothing definite. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" rat could hardly pass through." bonnet, and went out." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Yes, that is the Crown." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, works. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Clair, of Lee." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual papers must be those that are destroyed.' looking up at the numbers of the houses." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to daring than any effort of the imagination." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in back into the street. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that the bottom.' pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Have you good authority for what you say?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "And you thought he was pulled back?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged you." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "From his hat?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the running down." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a fasten all the windows?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Thank you. And your address?" of receipt of the work. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my both be extremely obliged.' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first too. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are From what you have told me I think that it is possible that my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and put his glass in his pocket. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the best of training." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "And I."