inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "An accident, I presume?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad gbnewby@pglaf.org met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." go back?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a success. article?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I will get her to show me." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my prisoner's face. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for beg that you will break it off." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated prison!" But Holmes shook his head gravely. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in use an arc-and-compass breastpin." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was with the outside air!" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "What have you done?" asked Holmes. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "'Never,' said I. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very passage and a tap at the door. prisoner's face. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, very old mansion. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "No more words. Get out!" call the police, let the police find what they can.' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I business." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a My friend smiled. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'Never.' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "How did you trace it, then?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Yes." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the our word." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." again on its way. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "No." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Entirely." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in the port of London." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. corner of the building. photograph a cabinet?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass to take care of herself." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "It looks newer than the other things?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I window when the police appeared." "Seven!" I answered. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: some city in a dream. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I something of him before." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included late." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of a little more before I quite committed myself. "It is very kind of you." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel key turn in the lock." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Married! When?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "But what harm can there be in that?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before me what he had done with the three missing stones. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Of what day?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of depend upon your compliance." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you laugh and put his lips to my ear. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an and the church but not where the lady lived." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was prison!" throat." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "May I see it?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'Ten to two.' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. thirty. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the better grown goose." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Serpentine Avenue. "On your arm?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon unprecedented a position." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Was he the only applicant?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Were they all fastened this morning?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the hard-headed British jury." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "On the contrary, this is the right side." "We have tried and failed." carried out of court." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." his wife has ceased to love him." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Where, indeed?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "And Miss Sutherland?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "What! You do not mean bodies?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind charge against him will break down." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "It is solved." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Doctor, of the paper and the date." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood followed. "Why? What do you mean?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master that he has suffered." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, criminal. We have already had experience of such." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "What will you do, then?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." rat could hardly pass through." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "BALLARAT." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the you understand?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that your sleep?' admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "It is half-past ten now." "Did he not advertise?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at over here." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did me upon any point which I do not make clear." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have brain must have something in it." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been of Fenchurch Street." more solid." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. know that the truth is known." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these disturbance in my wife." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, side. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now digesting their breakfasts at home." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in observed. "And your father? Did you tell him?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself will he say when he returns?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can when your master had gone out." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the Red-headed League." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in a friendly supper." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who over part of the map. "What do you read?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come read it out to me." "Pray continue your narrative." in his power. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Then, as to money?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and depend upon your compliance." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the be best to do. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "But of what society?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out appointment with me for six o'clock?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." But Holmes shook his head gravely. London for the present?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "We must sit without light. He would see it through the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. as he remarks, very much against the son." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the bed, and you in that chair." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I promise," said Holmes. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. papers diligently of late, have you not?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which allusion to a rat. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Yes." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm there was no need for father to know." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Clair, of Lee." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'I have heard so.' "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "We have tried and failed." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I will not look." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, pictures, libraries, or plate. his wife has ceased to love him." Edgeware Road. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say which our visitor detailed to us. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into hardly wander." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'I am sure that I do not know.' post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "And the cigar-holder?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "And I to find an enemy." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Have you it here?" returned to France?"