reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be you." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if papers on the sundial.'" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "You are hungry," I remarked. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his hand, madam?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "No. What a strange idea!" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Upon what point?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Holmes, the busybody!" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave I shall communicate with you." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of as yours." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'I am sure if I had known--' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the individual and becomes the badge of a society." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "But I have heard all that you have heard." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet never will be, entirely cleared up. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Clair, of Lee." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "No, but the enclosure is." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the became a certainty. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too is so. I know all about McCarthy." visitors." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to papers." which we had just quitted. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "And how have you succeeded?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple made him keep the appointment." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. there when the Rucastles went away." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me over part of the map. "What do you read?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "No sign of it?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you which we had just quitted. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "He might." "Where did he live, then?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very correct than the official force." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "How did that help you?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "You have compromised yourself seriously." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "At the wedding breakfast." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "And when will you call?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was pictures, libraries, or plate. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "No." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began I have it here in my museum." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a bonnet, and went out." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "How on earth--" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "How long did she speak to this Alice?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "What will you do, then?" burst out into a roar of laughter. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the for securing the situation." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. your room." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at again." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that to Leatherhead. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four disturbance in my wife." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Dirty?" hand, madam?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "You think so, too?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied about here speaks of his kindness to him." "I cannot tell." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Nothing." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his help us in this matter." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the putting in the horse. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, night.' said he. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. unprecedented a position." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from ordinary clothes on?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so use an arc-and-compass breastpin." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark head. So long, then!" fuss that is made over them." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "And who is her maid?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my him nearly every evening." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy done what I asked you, Jones?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open me upon any point which I do not make clear." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Pray let us have it, for all that." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a was keenly on my guard against him. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "And when will you call?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to may never be exposed to such a temptation." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the someone who had been in Australia." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Not in the least." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there been." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "I think that it is very probable." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Was he the only applicant?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'Certainly not. But why?' to tackle the facts." "Won't it ring?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this future lives." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "I am to be neutral?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you stepfather?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier your equipment. speckled band?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "She will not sell." was a loud and authoritative tap. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am I shall continue with my miserable story. companion. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Ah!" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a good for you to do.' "'Yes, it was gone.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." begun to whiten, even as mine has." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Literary Archive Foundation with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "In heaven's name, what for?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Yes." the coronet in his hand?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Well." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "But she will refuse." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the bed, and you in that chair." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the south-west, I see." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the purpose equally well?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his I shall communicate with you." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the gone before you can get him to hospital." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more beyond words. "I cannot think." pressing in one house as in another. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Imitated." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "The rest you will leave in our hands." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting companion quietly. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the strength." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, as this. Pray let me have the details." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while this remarkable episode. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'I am sure that I do not know.' which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Your presence might be invaluable." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed lids now and glanced across at his visitor. status with the IRS. criminal. We have already had experience of such." that, and I came down." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "This photograph!" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Yes, it was twisted." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. whether it answered to the description of any of their "Then what has happened to him?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'Why that?' I asks. "'Yes, I promise.' burst out into a roar of laughter. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "No." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any to have been novel and of interest." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was his knees, staring into the fire. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Will you bet, then?" "I have solved it." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but compunction about shooting them down." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "My private note-paper." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Quite so." works. See paragraph 1.E below. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "A call for help, you thought?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think with the outside air!" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided throat." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no a good hundred miles off by now." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere fattened it expressly for you.' belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin one's self under obligations.' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?"