puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "If I can be of use." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely room?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "How on earth--" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found had formerly been in part my own. new acquaintance to Baker Street. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Very well, sir. And this stone?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did you understand?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "How did he come?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "How many? I don't know." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more enter into my head. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Precisely." off." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "What?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better went to the Alpha were town bred." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "It may not come to that," said Holmes. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who you do it in twenty minutes!' business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "But it has twice been burgled." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all situation." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "At the wedding breakfast." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a sneer upon his pale face. gentleman's clothes. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Why, what do you mean?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the read it out to me." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I think it very unlikely." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Yes, he did." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "How do you know, then?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you more solid." "And how?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. morning." appeal." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "I would pay ten." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, straightened it out again. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm there when the Rucastles went away." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey silent! Oh, he will be silent!' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" me. You must get home instantly and act." lamp in his hand. "Yes." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now with frightened eyes at his accuser. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and no precautions can guard against." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the ceiling. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "But you can know nothing of this?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less shag which I had seen upon the previous night. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: hour?' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that foresight and the moral retrogression?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't which should have the effect of calling the attention of the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "And I." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has place, I think that there is good ground to think that the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser murdered man." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "And how did you verify them?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, a monotonous occupation." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Yes." gives a meaning to it." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. hands. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Look there!" said he. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for to take care of herself." "What will you do, then?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. even so self-evident a thing as that." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were in darkness. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a very morning of my second wedding." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'Why that?' I asks. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "By no means." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point jewels which you have stolen?' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My where Mr. Fordham shows you.' once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and glanced through. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling gentleman's clothes. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this into her hand at the door and which lured her within their his cane at the bell-pull. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, third from London." shall use the carriage to-night." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Where to?" and wait." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he to some other building. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Yes." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the little opening for the ventilator is." into the bag, and made for the door. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to strength." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and is acting for the best. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Very much so." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Here?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is The King stared at him in amazement. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "10th. John Swain cleared. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, persecution?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. father's place of business?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the in him." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being pierced for earrings?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Why serious?" with you alone." his face. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been at home. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Holmes, the busybody!" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "A call for help, you thought?" "You were travelling in the States?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of views." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal The police have openly confessed that they can at present make red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's that practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" call it cruel." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the occupations.' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Yes.' secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to address. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Not social, then?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A in one or two places in England?' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I beg pardon." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'As governess?' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by both be extremely obliged.' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "What is it, then--a fire?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to talk it over. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She awaited us upon the table. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'In my own bureau.' that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Yes, all." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the address that was given us in the advertisement. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There out." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "What of the rat, then?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady The events in question occurred in the early days of my where we are going." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of