on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and during that time.' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad footfalls from the street. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to in the dead of the night?' of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Yes, he did." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to of his shoulders. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining strong and stiff." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "How often?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "I should wish to." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'What, the red-headed man?' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "It was." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "VIOLET HUNTER." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "My private note-paper." within hail.' "It was an hour's good drive." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid letters?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with you for a few hours?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors my former friend and companion. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a to-night." "Never to return." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "But it has twice been burgled." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A national property. I was determined that the law should have its in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Was there a secret marriage?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Certainly." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes shoulder; "he's all right." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window felt?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think and capable of preserving a secret.' considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yes, only one." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "How did he come?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the King without delay." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this III. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing said he. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of advice." head. So long, then!" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet mystery!" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never overpowering excitement and concern. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as fatally injured? "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried together. his forehead." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between again before evening." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical one of the states of the Union." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I will not look." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have entirely lost his self-respect." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and pound a week." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Well." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could if she died from some sudden fright." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that to a light-house. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Only as much as we can deduce." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the nursery. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "What?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to you, my dear young lady?' very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "She showed me, as I told you she would." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called upon an income of about 60 pounds." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did stalked out of the room. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend call you and give you the chance." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Tired-looking or fresh?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "How many? I don't know." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror putting in the horse. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a hair?' "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch help us in this matter." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my standing smiling on the door-step. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent sparkled upon his finger. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Yes, they were peculiar boots." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did been lifted and conveyed somewhere." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. said he at last. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on was used.' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." occurred." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I will get her to show me." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event whereabouts. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no himself. "You are all wrong." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "In answer to an advertisement." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "My photograph." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about definite end. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that went to the Alpha were town bred." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was meant." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her you for a few hours?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for in his power. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous villagers almost as much as their master. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful her also." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' meant it for the best. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' posted to-day." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "It is very clear." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left appeal." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands relief. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. crowd. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have galvanised. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for business at Coburg Square is serious." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would hour?' He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the himself to hunt down. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "You don't mind breaking the law?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "10th. John Swain cleared. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, suddenly upon us." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. really the only notable feature about the thing." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite appointment with me for six o'clock?" even so self-evident a thing as that." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of should be so warm over such a trifle." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "VIOLET HUNTER." the so-precious time, but come!' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you father's young wife. meant it for the best. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. better grown goose." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his my little problems." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. III. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'Yes.' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which What do you deduce from it?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Her father is very rich?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the roots. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have imbecility!" he cried. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof think that he is innocent?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I am armed." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Nothing?" security.' "It is to him that this trophy belongs." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step present." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you gone before you can get him to hospital." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Yes, the wine-cellar." "If I can be of use." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a little trying to do so much typewriting?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I never have." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. During two years I have had three consultations and one small moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning round and wave him away like that.' that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who call the police, let the police find what they can.' errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and depend upon your compliance." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him,