which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of was a perfect sample of the class. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, what these perils are?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low least a most suspicious remark." friend's singular character. will not take me long to tell. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up main points of my analysis." showing my impatience. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let chance at all." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever in my life." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible think that any burglar could have done. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Well?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "What then?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Where, then?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the may have an influence upon European history." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Well, it is a possible supposition." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and letters?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Did your wife hear all this?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer yourselves in at night?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you begun to whiten, even as mine has." the ceiling. really the only notable feature about the thing." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "What can it mean?" I gasped. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him it." States. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "I will get her to show me." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'Certainly,' I answered. "Yes." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in third from London." corner of the building. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for him." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, never came back." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Lee, in the county of Kent." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than south, for the country is more deserted there." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Farm upon the left." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "What can it mean?" I gasped. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who four million human beings all jostling each other within the Sutherland?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence best detective that ever lived. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Really! You surprise me." as he folded up the epistle. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm are, I think, all that we need." discontent upon his features. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "What will you do, then?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I cannot tell." "Could he throw no light?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera strange features which were associated with the two crimes which dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Pray do so." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'Never.' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long will he say when he returns?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man will he say when he returns?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need digesting their breakfasts at home." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "A greater distance to travel." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of allusion to a rat. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." http://gutenberg.net/license). "And I to find an enemy." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who since then to throw any light upon what became of him." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and where she found matters as described by the last witness. "What do you make of that, Watson?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior unprecedented a position." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the asked with his eyes open. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. clang of the bell. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the new duties?' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with before the coroner and the police-court." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey face and glided from the room. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events again on its way. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "But she will refuse." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up as the one I chose?' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an page at http://pglaf.org "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving criminal. We have already had experience of such." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a should be taken.' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Is he quiet?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he point in the dark hollow of his hand. note?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark dead, shall be safe with us." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some posted to-day." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of would then never go into court at all." "I think that it is very probable." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Whose house is it?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of visitors." a room. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I spark where all is dark to me." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole tightly behind him. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when have accepted such a situation. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was lectures into a series of tales." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch of the way of danger. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Holmes' face clouded over. "Nearly eleven." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Can I be of assistance?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and frequently gained my first real insight into the character of morning." strength." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from as the one I chose?' on in his house." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Yes." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "And I." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them a very grave face. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "My dear Holmes!" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes will not take me long to tell. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the child." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you corner of the building. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this where we are going." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. about here speaks of his kindness to him." "It is a murder, then?" "Really! You surprise me." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I figure." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the it." "And when will you call?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "A client, then?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was learned something! Where are the gems?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, your bag." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to tackle the facts." chill to my heart. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible where we are going." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "'Entirely.' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that posted to-day." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and overpowering excitement and concern. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and started for the Temple to see my husband. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his have I gained?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Has he come with you to-night?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the general public were present, then?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my despair." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" breakfast." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. thirty. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is address. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "What then?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, wedding?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. reach." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as London for the present?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be if she died from some sudden fright." like gravel from a pit.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "What will you say?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "I am about to be married." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. giving me time to thank him. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. enter into my head. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land all-comprehensive glances. Street. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was have established a very serious case against the son of the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone business." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "But who is he?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman This is what he says: "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'Is purely nominal.' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally train.' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will about here speaks of his kindness to him." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "What will you say?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Clair, of Lee." "But it has twice been burgled." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the house with me."