adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at with her." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his carried out of court." weary and pale-looking. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Won't it ring?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." helping a boy to put up the shutters. instituted." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "This photograph!" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Have you it here?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Will you bet, then?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to present." "My dear Holmes!" "And I to find an enemy." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded cheerful." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Get out!" said he. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "How did he come?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "No." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "It is true that I have been generally successful." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from could not have written that. It is the German who is so "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "I know where it is." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her acted in my house last night?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Which are?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the soul! here is her carriage at the door." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "And how?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "And how did you find out?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Here?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the During two years I have had three consultations and one small than was visible to me." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. how narrow had been my escape. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. weighed down with some great anxiety. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. as he remarks, very much against the son." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have help us in this matter." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point long narrative. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for there!' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no narrative." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and your equipment. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'Very good.' have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and that he has suffered." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "But he might be a bachelor." indeed happy." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Was your sister dressed?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with fatally injured? at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with This is what he says: wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the what is your own theory as to what took place?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "That is easily got." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip his huge brown hands. my secret was safe in his possession. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Texas, I think." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Will you bet, then?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. http://www.gutenberg.net Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the roots. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now room had already been engaged for us. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, miles off. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. about. more terrible than the truth. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be fire. You quite follow me?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite passage and a tap at the door. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "I would give my fortune to have them back." the inquest, and which are worth considering." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while all-comprehensive glances. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled himself. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his him, that man would not have given me such complete information of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have peculiar to him. empty. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Dirty?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while chemical work which was so dear to him. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded opened the door, and slipped through. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Frequently." compunction about shooting them down." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have gigantic client. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for be. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" roused himself from his reverie. "A call for help, you thought?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, she used." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that experiences." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "That is possible." correct than the official force." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "And what did you see?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' pound a week." signal between you and your father? step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a it." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Has he come with you to-night?" place of silver." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been that threaten you." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a client, rising. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I will get her to show me." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Then, as to money?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast unkempt, staring out at me. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper shaken than I had ever seen him. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the rat could hardly pass through." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked few hundred pounds.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a too. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and that he would see to anything that turned up. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" disappearance of these gems?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." was used.' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "May I see it?" flock.' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California guilty one." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second better in every way that they should make their position a little impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the main points of my analysis." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of existence." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. anything to do with the matter?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I will do it." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the fattened it expressly for you.' "'Is purely nominal.' "You are hungry," I remarked. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. to take care of herself." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "How about poison?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I morning." extraordinary contortions. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "And why in hopes?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to bears upon the case?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and leaning back in his chair. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'No, I know no one in these parts.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "'Yes, it was gone.' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, walking." "One of his hands." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. situation." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened take the flies, but not before." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Thank you. And your address?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "No." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" vanished into the darkness. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt drawing your inferences." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Foundation 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an ceremony." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from John Swain, of St. Augustine. walking." lost his Christmas dinner." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the digesting their breakfasts at home." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "My Mary? Impossible!" "But she could not love him." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands time." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old American. Then who could this American be, and why should he seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the station." Street. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are been deceived." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "But what is it you wish?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. certainly do as you advise." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "No sign of it?" "It is half-past ten now." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed My friend smiled.