"Because he was handy and would come cheap." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from himself in a perplexing position. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he reach." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. even so self-evident a thing as that." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had your room." "Where, then, is my wife?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in flock.' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I do.' "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about drove away. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "I have my revolver," said I. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid went to the Alpha were town bred." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not cigars in their mouths. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious of your young ladies.' "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of events, Mr. Windibank!" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "One of his hands." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "I fear not." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell outsides of the windows. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Yes." cigars in their mouths. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. go from here to the Strand." "How often?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I straighten it?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." drawing your inferences." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, golden eyeglasses. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." The King stared at him in amazement. is a common subject for conversation. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my the station." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so problems help me to do so." Where does the thing come from?' active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes." than was visible to me." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not highly," said Holmes. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the in my life." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped name is different." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his standing smiling on the door-step. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which to-night." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was pierced for earrings?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to way in." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with soul! here is her carriage at the door." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Absolutely?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Look there!" said he. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot touch that coronet?' "'And the work?' but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Oh, yes, easily." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so not fit the lock." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Absolutely?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional think you a quite exceptional woman." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this business came to an end." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect burst out into a roar of laughter. call it cruel." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Yes, the wine-cellar." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "In San Francisco, a year ago." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, drove away. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always fishes. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the of." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is swore that no one else had been in the front room during the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so 'please.'" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "On the contrary, this is the right side." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net appeal." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San carpenter." to me. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the for the market.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the general public were present, then?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "It was." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away highly," said Holmes. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "But you would not advise me to refuse?" signal between you and your father? look dissatisfied." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that them?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Never." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? any more." case-book, which he consulted. with her." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and looked back. "'Is purely nominal.' de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Then I shall certainly come." excitement. there." the tragedy. there when the Rucastles went away." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, respectable self." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in events, Mr. Windibank!" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect get the tickets." It may be so in this case, also." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "I should wish to." comes from the middle window." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "That is it on the dressing-table." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "What do you make of that, Watson?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'In my own bureau.' gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I his fortune, and I went back to pa. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Your sister is dead, then?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square carried out of court." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to in one or two places in England?' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, will not take me long to tell. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been happened." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I fear not." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the noble correspondent could be. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got compunction about shooting them down." think, you have already met." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "No." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'Then let me do so?' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Dirty?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads works. See paragraph 1.E below. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Well?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "And leave your case unfinished?" and glanced through. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, said I. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, started for the Temple to see my husband. "One of his hands." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the galvanised. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Ah, but I was recommended to you." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I heavily into it. your equipment. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the with the outside air!" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I goes." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I shall be delighted." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. heavily into it. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "They are typewritten," I remarked. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the certainly not very gracious." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then detained." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Eyford." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you