when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Certainly." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "My photograph." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had assist you in forming an opinion." "I am to be neutral?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. future lives." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average upon the shelf for the interim." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Indeed! Whose, then?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "BALLARAT." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom mystery!" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "And I say east," said my patient. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Stolen." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "In heaven's name, what for?" was a lad." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have about. had picked up in the wood. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Where, then, is my wife?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "What?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a our word." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for that I am arrested." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would matter." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my this truth that in these little records of our cases which you already referred to. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the of the one which your family is now devouring." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I it. key of the affair now." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must I am not easy in my mind about them." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may to tackle the facts." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Then he might have called to you?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and that he would see to anything that turned up. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "A greater distance to travel." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did as the one I chose?' "None. Neville wrote those words." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "You horrify me." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us observed. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the driver. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in his cane at the bell-pull. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "That is possible." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated important." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled You can understand that this register and diary may implicate foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs are, I think, all that we need." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this me where it went to?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' October 9, 1890. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what arms and began to sob in a high treble key. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Yes. He waved his hands." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, gbnewby@pglaf.org "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a go back?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the coronet in his hand?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "My dear Holmes!" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled there is a decided draught." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be in his power. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" of this gang." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the other means.' the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the assist you in forming an opinion." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but article?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new down from London to inquire more deeply into it." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I tension within him. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a I held the little printed slip to the light. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought I was concerned in it." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the loss of it. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the before, for it was considerably after midnight. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. bedroom door." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Stolen." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Entirely." fasten all the windows?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the iron safe, which he closed upon it. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out highly," said Holmes. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "My private note-paper." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote happened." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very bears upon the case?" look dissatisfied." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the together. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. to arrive at through this?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my next day. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain His smile broadened. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress derbies." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in with frightened eyes at his accuser. like gravel from a pit.' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger gone. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. whether it answered to the description of any of their saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." directors, with the result that you have seen." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said an introduction to him?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or to-night's adventure." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the coroner come to?" room. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "What of the rat, then?" "Certainly." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we words came to my lips. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, lumber-room." "If I can be of use." outbreak?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "And did you observe any change in her then?" noting anything else of interest. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we get her out of the way." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "It is possible." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. persecution?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our asked. long narrative. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of events than those which have happened in my own family." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the our word." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Imitated." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "What, then?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. voice, changing her seat as requested. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign begun to whiten, even as mine has." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "But of what society?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Perhaps I have." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. answer." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you round with crates and massive boxes. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the newspaper selections." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "How did you trace it, then?" you in yours." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Pray continue your narrative." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "And from a noble client?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm from you?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something weighed down with some great anxiety. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done desk. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "My opinion is in no way altered." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, your Highness to the police-station?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make to change my dress. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his south, for the country is more deserted there." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Countess of Morcar's?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "None." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his is now desirous of getting those letters back." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Heh?' "'Certainly not. But why?' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers second window is the one that I jumped from." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came what do you think they found in the pockets?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. suddenly upon us." "'Where to?' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less prison!" chamber." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "No." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I think that it is very probable." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you