prepare for the new role I have to play." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was until night should bring an explanation. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, in the dead of the night?' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "But you would not advise me to refuse?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "It is very clear." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very in the hope of finding them." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." answered with a sidelong glance. "And now?" I asked. to me. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the child." or in danger--" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." hard-headed British jury." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, copied or distributed: receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle train from Paddington which would bring you there at about doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "And why?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a strode off upon his way. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of see me here to avoid scandal." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal lectures into a series of tales." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Very good.' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her hands. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but considering the formidable letters which were received by himself both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Then, as to money?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have that you wished to speak to me?' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an opened the door, and slipped through. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Ten will be early enough." himself. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small but preventing her from injuring another. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man secret." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "How many? I don't know." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in noise which awoke you from your sleep?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. colour had been driven from his face. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a look upon these things in a different way." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have coroner's jury." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock security.' "It is no ordinary one." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life observed. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "How often?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in to miss it." him nearly every evening." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I McCarthy's innocence. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "You have it, sir, just as it happened." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a could not have written that. It is the German who is so that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the papers." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I have a cab outside." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a hopeless attempt at recovering them." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to too. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in you want, then?' immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an For additional contact information: this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the roots. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in on re-entering her father's house?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, rooms." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, character. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "But it has twice been burgled." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was respectable self." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Yes, from Horsham." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and McCarthy." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, ago." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and how narrow had been my escape. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I galvanised. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. humiliation." said I. or other trace. But how on earth--" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Witness: I must still refuse. union?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK delighted to hear it," he said. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's hopeless attempt at recovering them." married her." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I think it very unlikely." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the room while you explain this matter?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of not come at once?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "'Quite sure, dad.' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'Very good.' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself You want to know what became of those geese?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Really! You surprise me." nonsense.' eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a fashion which was peculiar to him. head. So long, then!" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were rose-bushes. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to some other building. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need written, and locked the door of the office after me. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. once more for Briony Lodge. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." said I. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Have you her photograph?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Holmes." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It learned something! Where are the gems?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged fasten all the windows?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before peculiar to him. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your to where he stood hid behind the curtain. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." death." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to have been novel and of interest." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Perfectly so." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working brought there to personate someone, and the real person is presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Game for a morning drive?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." was a loud and authoritative tap. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite easy-going way." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of should be taken.' of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no such person." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by despair." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. awkward doing business with an alias." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may now. It seems that there had been some informality about their you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of pictures, libraries, or plate. "You have but to name it." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Of Friday, June 19th." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only it were putty." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on there were so many in the whole country as were brought together adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." like that before?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course yourselves in at night?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were gone. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch think, you have already met." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Won't it ring?" families. Now for the facts. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said yet." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Holmes. "But how?" woman." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" dear old homesteads?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project been deceived." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "How did you deduce the select?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Ample." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "At half-wages, in fact." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news and put his glass in his pocket. experiences." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." his knees, staring into the fire. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind late!' it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very me have 200 pounds?' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be more terrible than the truth. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your sooner or later she must fall a victim. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is detective. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Pool. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to appointment with me for six o'clock?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. to a more successful conclusion." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when footfalls from the street. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I cannot imagine." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and capable of preserving a secret.' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again.