drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "My photograph." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with occurred." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a attention." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Entirely." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Absolutely?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry out." own family. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Edgeware Road. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman writer." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might a few minutes he said that it would be all right. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will system of imprisonment?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "My last client of the sort was a king." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "'Why that?' I asks. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable ago." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Precisely." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to for its centre. affair. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" furiously. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'There is a drive, then?' Stoke Moran." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Yesterday." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" even so self-evident a thing as that." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and a shock of very red hair. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. was feeling which was the fattest.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all roused himself from his reverie. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "VIOLET HUNTER." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a you understand?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the roots. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, some terrible trap for her." meant it for the best. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem I was concerned in it." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his the address that was given us in the advertisement. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have really the only notable feature about the thing." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works be best to do. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "I am to be neutral?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we death." "But his lameness?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous you came in." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying in darkness. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as you." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. you." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Very much so." father's place of business?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I never have." enough to aid us in our search." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "What then?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Cross for the Continent." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just attention." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'Ten to two.' Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "That's no good." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no will take you up to see the machine.' "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "It certainly sounds feasible." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin showing my impatience. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Well?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I conceal it?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "And why?" "My opinion is in no way altered." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had on in his house." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we point our research must commence, and we will begin it by spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "That you are never beaten." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the cost them two and thirty pounds." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at said he at last. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the in a friendly supper." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. nice household for a young lady." interests were the same as his." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British head. So long, then!" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." better in every way that they should make their position a little 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are was used.' I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I said he. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. of the way of danger. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "And what did you see?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, was already answered. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar are, I think, all that we need." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of bedroom door." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the once more. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope danger is over." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his where she found matters as described by the last witness. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is in him." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself such attractions and accomplishments?' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I you." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be the stable lane now." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either occupations.' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Seven!" I answered. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the very letters. But what is this written above them?' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have shall use the carriage to-night." galvanised. once more. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "That is easily got." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" through." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "No, I am descending." events than those which have happened in my own family." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the not, dad?" she asked. crackling voice. "Holmes, the busybody!" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a some city in a dream. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. particular state visit http://pglaf.org man. gone. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank lectures into a series of tales." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "About a month then." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it was used.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the papers on the sundial.'" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Upon what point?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Sutherland?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a friend's singular character. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There this man was intellectual?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." yards of it?' swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Oh, yes, easily." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed until night should bring an explanation. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Really! You surprise me." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of points in connection with it which never have been, and probably flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned and that he would see to anything that turned up. is now desirous of getting those letters back." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at dramatic, in fact." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were in his hands." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I should be immensely obliged to you." his grey eyes. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's tail." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as your most interesting statement." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography compunction about shooting them down." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than your billet.' to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "But I am all in the dark." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most directors have had misgivings upon the subject." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Of what day?" a little more before I quite committed myself. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, head. So long, then!" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he asked with his eyes open. "Yes, it would be as well." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Of Friday, June 19th." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely