the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Breckinridge is his name." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Edgeware Road. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even man. I know him from the photograph." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "But you can know nothing of this?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their placed his cuttings. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a she might be summoned. "I promise," said Holmes. just called myself is not exactly my own." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Where, then, is my wife?" manager. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds meanly of me." experiences." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he existence." "But she will refuse." crime." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time down. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Doctor, of the paper and the date." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I when your master had gone out." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Then what has happened to him?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Precisely." 1.F. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to suspect him." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know and the whole place is in a blaze." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal suddenly upon us." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." presented more singular features than that which was associated wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the throat." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Texas, I think." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Your sister is dead, then?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in His smile broadened. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "What is it?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not annoyance, but no jest. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "And what did you see?" gone. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such During two years I have had three consultations and one small gone before you can get him to hospital." "In which, sir?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the not as remarkable as your advertisement." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Eyford at 11:15.' Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "We have tried and failed." enough to aid us in our search." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Why serious?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly the bottom.' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has is worth.' should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been fear." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the yards of it?' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, ourselves in the office." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I was afraid that you were engaged." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "It is half-past ten now." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Why? What do you mean?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was present strange and interesting features that it is no easy everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began in one or two places in England?' but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the coroner come to?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, me. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and populous neighbourhood." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "You were travelling in the States?" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "What?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "No." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Pool. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." think you a quite exceptional woman." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "You horrify me." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's despair." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now confronted him. photograph?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the inquest, and which are worth considering." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling nonsense.' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my about here speaks of his kindness to him." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." as noiselessly as she had come. "You have carte blanche." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper and your relations to her." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this may never be exposed to such a temptation." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the unprofitable." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the outsides of the windows. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I cannot imagine." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the keep the flames under. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Then, how do you know?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask ourselves in the office." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Absolutely?" "It certainly sounds feasible." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "No." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'Yes, sir.' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "My dear Holmes!" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Eh? What was that?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an deduce something from that?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as allusion to a rat. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the salesman. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I think that it is very probable." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all comes from the middle window." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Nearly eleven." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Yes." "You will not go there first?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. go from here to the Strand." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife this Miss Turner." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Did he not advertise?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in him." you came in." "Were they all fastened this morning?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a not come at once?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time not, dad?" she asked. never will be, entirely cleared up. "We must have a cab." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward of receipt of the work. had formerly been in part my own. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, comes from the middle window." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said was not a bird to be seen there. was a loud and authoritative tap. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. as he remarks, very much against the son." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of himself in a perplexing position. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the are, I think, all that we need." followed. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see wedding?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a conceal it?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest will find little credit to be gained out of this case." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Ha! you find it so?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to-night?" I asked. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "But not more so than I to find you." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "No, finished." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Witness: It was. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Yes, sir.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Certainly." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Because he was handy and would come cheap." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the coronet at all injured?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those His name is Francis Prosper." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'In my own bureau.' remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at hardly wander." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him plantation.' the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a companion quietly. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its them present such singular features as the strange train of broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was man. "And when will you call?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door there is a decided draught." "None." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which see a sister of mine apply for." him." away into the river." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "At the wedding breakfast." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I don't say that. Perhaps." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "No." vanished into the darkness. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'Where to?' which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will forecastle of an emigrant ship. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Foundation to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." than to us. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they hereditary King of Bohemia." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Does that suggest anything?" character. companion. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my During two years I have had three consultations and one small yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when in a very precise fashion." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only gone before you can get him to hospital."