money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, directors, with the result that you have seen." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "You think so, too?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I don't say that. Perhaps." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this if she died from some sudden fright." "If I can be of use." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "What?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my own family. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the hereditary King of Bohemia." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is that before taking the final step I should like to submit the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Do you go out much in society?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the inquest, and which are worth considering." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all gone. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "To ruin me." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she legal crime." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was works. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the soul! here is her carriage at the door." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some crime." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and fact, we may call it conclusive." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I and inquire as to the address." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "What?" "'Entirely.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly during which he might have communicated with his friend the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, sake, don't!" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "He disappeared so suddenly." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety discontent upon his features. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At place of silver." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of I have it here in my museum." noting anything else of interest. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are use an arc-and-compass breastpin." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "None." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles been lifted and conveyed somewhere." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in examine." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'A dozen yards or so.' "I should wish to." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "What will you say?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "No, distinctly professional." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "I cannot say that I have." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very families. Now for the facts. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "And help." my former friend and companion. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "The King of Scandinavia." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I me what he had done with the three missing stones. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" might help us?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an my room." "We have tried and failed." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Bought." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some back alive. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a yet." one's self under obligations.' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "No, finished." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Dark enough and sinister enough." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Holmes." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are correct than the official force." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he will take you up to see the machine.' any little problem which you may submit to me." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "I have a cab outside." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "You think so, too?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. morning." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "You have carte blanche." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End his fortune, and I went back to pa. get the tickets." wedding?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even James Windibank. Voilà tout!" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "To the police?" my former friend and companion. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in do.' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the III. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Did he not advertise?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, several quiet little villages up there." "To an English lawyer named Norton." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. ways of our fellow-men." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat or other trace. But how on earth--" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "And Irene Adler?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me him. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My suggested at once that there must be a communication between the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling have had none more fantastic than this." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." British peeress.'" "I shall most certainly do so." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed that, and I came down." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done to me. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your she has been waylaid. There has been no result." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. neither fascinating nor artistic." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "This concluded the examination of the witness." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I business." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his jewels which you have stolen?' whether it answered to the description of any of their knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what During two years I have had three consultations and one small "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Was he the only applicant?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has detective. envelope. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your helping a boy to put up the shutters. prisoner's face. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with off." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. fasten all the windows?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I have seen the police." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire examine." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same his cane at the bell-pull. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face do you make of it all?" and looked back. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "You are hungry," I remarked. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. ready to-morrow?' "The Cedars?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the me upon any point which I do not make clear." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside fait accompli?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" McCarthy's innocence. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and all of them with the keenest interest. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our little adventures." late!' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, to arrive at through this?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study and the church but not where the lady lived." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Only as much as we can deduce." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Where did he live, then?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from few hundred pounds.' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his