"I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. the tragedy. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally brought there to personate someone, and the real person is a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' time." "He is dead," cried several voices. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an said he. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Then I shall certainly come." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Of what day?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose ill-usage at the hands of fortune. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are which our visitor detailed to us. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their is so. I know all about McCarthy." opened the door, and slipped through. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I little trying to do so much typewriting?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I green of the new foliage. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must trifles." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "He is still with you, I presume?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. better in every way that they should make their position a little can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, beyond words. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the noble correspondent could be. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed strength of mind to control. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, it with his own hands." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Yes, I have one waiting." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Why, what do you mean?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "I am in hopes that she does." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "'I have heard so.' "No, I had a dozen." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Ha! you find it so?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "It came here." "Ah!" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can in his hands." "No." that threaten you." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Pool. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Never to return." house for five minutes.' direction." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Can I be of assistance?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his of note-paper. It read in this fashion: As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from was lame." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you them?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Witness: I must still refuse. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a up this clue while it is still hot." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. little trying to do so much typewriting?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "In which, sir?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. http://gutenberg.net/license). must compliment you." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her fat-encircled eyes. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The McCarthy." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite outside. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, character. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "And what did you see?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see woman who has had her own way to make in the world. seen the man in the road." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Is he quiet?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Sutherland. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, gbnewby@pglaf.org most interesting one." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off again on its way. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "What is it, then--a fire?" husband's writing, madam." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was just ask you whether you had heard it.' America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the side-table." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Absolutely?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the coronet in his hand?" tightly behind him. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the DAMAGE. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked shoulder; "he's all right." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "It is possible." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to attention." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I promise," said Holmes. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with served to weaken the effect. for securing the situation." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'I have heard so.' story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "You have a clue?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Chief Executive and Director daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "'You doubt its value?' he asked. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "And I." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit throat." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at hurried by. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'There is a drive, then?' many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of pressing in one house as in another. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" been." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' never came back." "Have you her photograph?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Witness: Nothing definite. help us in this matter." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point reach." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I it." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." thin legs towards the fire. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'I shall certainly be there.' treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "That's no good." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "You are certainly joking, Holmes." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments prisoner's face. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you your most interesting statement." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Never." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the south-west, I see." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed The note was undated, and without either signature or address. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I have seen the police." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "There are none." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you arrested. You then--" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Holmes' face clouded over. tapping his fingers upon the table. crackling voice. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "It may not come to that," said Holmes. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" bearing upon the case." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter will be renamed. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Game for a morning drive?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, quickly through a disagreeable task. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," how narrow had been my escape. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of weary and pale-looking. "It was an hour's good drive." again before evening." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "So I have heard." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "That is unusual in a young girl." "No." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if shag which I had seen upon the previous night. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Pool. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you only touch the interest." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his your equipment. against a man in the prime of life?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more here." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "On the contrary, this is the right side." Countess of Morcar's?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the coronet at all injured?" and laid it on the table. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the room while you explain this matter?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong maiden herself was most instructive." "A client, then?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you this man was intellectual?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and with you?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I there!' consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake said I. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "I guessed as much." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just interests were the same as his." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Never." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the cup of tea. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "And how did you verify them?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'Never,' said I. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Farm upon the left." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Have you her photograph?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep himself in a perplexing position. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his