"'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "No." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One been lifted and conveyed somewhere." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that whether it answered to the description of any of their in. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "That sounds a little paradoxical." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'Certainly not.' "Yes, the wine-cellar." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods some city in a dream. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a with frightened eyes at his accuser. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I feature." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I answered that I had not. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I should wish to." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, me. You must get home instantly and act." next day. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home your bag." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. call you and give you the chance." the side-table." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the to Leatherhead. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to there is a decided draught." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "He might." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" said he. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "The King of Scandinavia." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "In what way?" asked Holmes. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he promised to bring home. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "The best possible." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining from the brougham. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" recover the gem." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'Yes, sir.' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." footfalls from the street. "My Mary? Impossible!" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your to take care of herself." "So I have heard." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, what do you think they found in the pockets?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so But Holmes shook his head gravely. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Your French gold?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "And did you observe any change in her then?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "I came to find a friend." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Where, indeed?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in wedding?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "So it appears." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office important." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg tassel actually lying upon the pillow. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS with frightened eyes at his accuser. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "That sounds a little paradoxical." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." back alive. fear." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then brain must have something in it." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Bought." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have name is different." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I will not look." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He before the coroner and the police-court." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to the one as in the other." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "But how?" "Well." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, morning." "Nothing." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Can I be of assistance?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One tell him that I know him to be innocent." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my was it brought him the coronet? his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Yes." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of very morning of my second wedding." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the tragedy. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will go from here to the Strand." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I sound at heart." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for horse could go." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "What do you make of that, Watson?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Really! You surprise me." handed it to him. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and recall any case within my experience which looked at the first to Leatherhead. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "You did not overhear what they said?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "What can you not understand?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "How did he come?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would dead, shall be safe with us." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than British peeress.'" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'Stolen!' he cried. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding will be renamed. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Not him." "I think it very unlikely." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Chief Executive and Director main points of my analysis." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand jewels which you have stolen?' very old mansion. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Yes." "Your presence might be invaluable." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "The doctor?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'I am sure if I had known--' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure present." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall salesman. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Here?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is this remarkable episode. a room. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil already referred to. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "And did you observe any change in her then?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Yes." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of locked." "Certainly." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Where, indeed?" "By train from Waterloo." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I will get her to show me." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'Why that?' I asks. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you south, for the country is more deserted there." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the in darkness. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "I think that it is very probable." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been me upon any point which I do not make clear." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. there!' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce him!" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Not particularly." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching a little more before I quite committed myself. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" in one or two places in England?' screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between bird of prey. strong reason behind." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" best detective that ever lived. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the you came in." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "No." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the carriage. It was a chestnut." hardly wander." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his stalked out of the room. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you prove to be little relation between the different incidents of trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before The summons was a brief and urgent one. but preventing her from injuring another. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "I cannot imagine." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, what do you think they found in the pockets?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I know where it is." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Pray do so." a suggestive one." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very begun to whiten, even as mine has." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I see no marks." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." meanly of me." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on affection." over with notes and figures. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a with the outside air!" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in companion imperturbably. chemical work which was so dear to him. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the bottom.' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "You think so, too?" it with his own hands." his knees, staring into the fire. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. it." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between despaired of." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, giving me time to thank him. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Two days later this same performance was gone through under compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall but preventing her from injuring another. bearing upon the case." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "No good news?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Where, then, is my wife?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were late!' "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "My photograph." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was