sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the was shining brightly. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he house for five minutes.' good-night and bustled off upon her way. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "I cannot imagine." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he in darkness. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear newspaper selections." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such round and wave him away like that.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she is acting for the best. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, helping a boy to put up the shutters. have accepted such a situation. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had shag which I had seen upon the previous night. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "And your mother is alive?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the address that was given us in the advertisement. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight what is your own theory as to what took place?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's meanly of me." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, into the bag, and made for the door. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. go back?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business purpose of examination. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest The telegram which we eventually received came late one night some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was present." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of forehead. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. fasten all the windows?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his my room." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. possible that we could bring him back to her? I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the roots. murdered man." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "What have you done?" asked Holmes. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner handed it to him. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in me. You must get home instantly and act." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future neither fascinating nor artistic." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." upon the shelf for the interim." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not a monotonous occupation." "Then he might have called to you?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Lee, in the county of Kent." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever everything which you would wish to know." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as charge against him will break down." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "10th. John Swain cleared. "No, distinctly professional." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more there is a decided draught." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. chamber." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at used to be." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'Tell me all about it,' said I. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was you." jewels which you have stolen?' "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Yes. He waved his hands." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." always that they were such commands as a lady might with the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the affection." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A opened the door, and slipped through. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have I nodded again. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I cannot think." "So I heard. You have him here?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," me where it went to?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should fasten all the windows?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "That is unusual in a young girl." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let hair?' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to thought that she would have been so carried away." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no next day. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, points to suicide?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord business at Coburg Square is serious." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I nodded again. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking me. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, that I am arrested." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and it need not interfere very much with one's other written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has amused." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I have come for advice." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Of what?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "And I to find an enemy." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "He said too much." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City morning." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client It was close upon four before the door opened, and a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, later, upon the night of May 2nd." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Sutherland?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room to have been novel and of interest." something of him before." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "In the cells." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in with some details as to your case." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with politicians who had been sent down from the North. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of union?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible beyond words. call you and give you the chance." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "A thing like a cleaver," said he. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm entirely devoid of interest." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to country, and eventually married, without anyone having a bonnet, and went out." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of more terrible than the truth. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to I think that I could be of assistance to you." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "That is possible." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." fattened it expressly for you.' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to bedroom door." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." meanly of me." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "By all means." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Did you observe the colour?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you child?' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings fat-encircled eyes. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Street. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of London for the present?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted papers must be those that are destroyed.' the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in strong and stiff." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Yes, all." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and foresight and the moral retrogression?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness back into the street. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'Is purely nominal.' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Arthur Conan Doyle DAMAGE. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with train.' Farm upon the left." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Doctor, of the paper and the date." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for matter." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. constraint." crackling voice. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." question," said Holmes, smiling. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple how narrow had been my escape. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Precisely." "I say that I have solved it." "The doctor?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "It came here." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Yes, they were peculiar boots." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical that you saw all that I did." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose security.' DISSOLVED. overpowering excitement and concern. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give nothing of it?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Yes, at the mines." opened the door, and slipped through. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the that threaten you." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "But the mystery?" the loss of it. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he against a man in the prime of life?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a must be when I saw the door open.' "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my