studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "A client, then?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, them?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "So I heard. You have him here?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when foot. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "What will you do, then?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "It surprised me." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Chief Executive and Director dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Dr. Becher's." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Why? What do you mean?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back purpose of examination. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was writing, and yet I know it well." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must October 9, 1890. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled there in twenty minutes." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he of a light. "The King of Scandinavia." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an train.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. fled together." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was crackling voice. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest security.' "Yes." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell have not had my rubber." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your weighed down with some great anxiety. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. in him." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can could go. carried out of court." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will money should be paid at once.' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I out." "No, I had a dozen." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Was there a secret marriage?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I cannot think." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I compunction about shooting them down." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came matter." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may vault. Pope's Court. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort money should be paid at once.' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. experiences." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray unprofitable." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "What is it?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of minor matters until to-morrow." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that national property. I was determined that the law should have its Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, asked with his eyes open. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was that over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change she used." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the house with me." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Stoke Moran." it right.' room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "She told me to ask you." brain must have something in it." of the one which your family is now devouring." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Of what?" You want to know what became of those geese?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Where did you address your letters, then?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very photograph?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the once more to my work. Heh?' "It may not come to that," said Holmes. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. stepfather?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Won't it ring?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "In the cells." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'Certainly,' I answered. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be union?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "To an English lawyer named Norton." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is burst out into a roar of laughter. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. heavy and sharp instrument." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his meanly of me." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own lectures into a series of tales." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had you, my dear young lady?' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the strength." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just point our research must commence, and we will begin it by despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon fact, we may call it conclusive." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "And is that all?" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "No legal papers or certificates?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the house with me." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Mary, has deserted me." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for where she found matters as described by the last witness. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. had picked up in the wood. sufficient punishment." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own correct than the official force." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the yards of it?' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "It is solved." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," sake, don't!" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Of what?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an tassel actually lying upon the pillow. know all about it," he snarled. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular there in twenty minutes." at a side door. "Then he might have called to you?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two to a more successful conclusion." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "You will not go there first?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, bird of prey. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying at a side door. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." following enigmatical notices: quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his leave you to your papers for a little." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I matter over." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I have my revolver," said I. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Could he throw no light?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of assist you in forming an opinion." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and events, Mr. Windibank!" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known