"I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to dates and names. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning sneer upon his pale face. his eyes and forehead. yards of it?' card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Yes." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "That was it, sir." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without have I gained?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' tassel actually lying upon the pillow. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Did you observe the colour?" "By no means." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good nonsense.' interest. They are important, you understand, without being now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I you give your casting vote to?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put pound a week." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Seven!" I answered. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, three fields round his house, and there he would take his to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and wait." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a a good hundred miles off by now." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low unkempt, staring out at me. new acquaintance to Baker Street. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Mrs. Toller serenely. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice distance from the station, and there we found the young lady one's self under obligations.' "But of what society?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "He disappeared so suddenly." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case were wasted." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to come either from the window or the door. My attention was such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having public press." like gravel from a pit.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way you." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "It goes to the housekeeper's room." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these children over to America with him, so that I found myself without through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I what is your own theory as to what took place?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Come in!" said Holmes. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Count Von Kramm." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near get her out of the way." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "It is half-past ten now." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" that?' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." young Openshaw's." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America congratulate you again." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "And you thought he was pulled back?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." or other trace. But how on earth--" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence opened a pocket-book and took out a note. spare." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the house with me." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the roots. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'What, the red-headed man?' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that know that the truth is known." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "And on what day did he meet his death?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building there were one or two details which were new to me. But the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that to you." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" you understand?" may have an influence upon European history." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Not in the least." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The questioning and rather startled gaze. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove his wife has ceased to love him." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his I shall continue with my miserable story. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of fluttered off among the others. http://gutenberg.net/license). as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more if she died from some sudden fright." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I spark where all is dark to me." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "What steps will you take?" I asked. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made been." you do it in twenty minutes!' "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: you for a few hours?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event if I call to-morrow?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, His smile broadened. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged bedroom door." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is nothing of it?" "'Yes, sir.' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "What is it, then--a fire?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the goes." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all along the entire front of the house, with three long windows pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "We must have a cab." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "But you can know nothing of this?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'Then let me do so?' January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. friend's singular character. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion grasp, he hurried from the room. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." gone. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Count Von Kramm." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining ways including including checks, online payments and credit card provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "How did that help you?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "You are all wrong." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Then you may entirely rely on me." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Where did he live, then?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "You horrify me!" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "What then?" you." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, some terrible trap for her." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the coronet in his hand?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Holmes' thin, eager face. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'Is purely nominal.' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your have been better. It is all right." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "No, I am descending." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never criminal. We have already had experience of such." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We other, as fresh and trim as possible. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Ample." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fat-encircled eyes. I was concerned in it." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered bare slabs of marble. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank question you as to those details which seem to me to be most of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Yes, only one." even so self-evident a thing as that." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman security.' "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By that there was nothing in it, after all." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. this remarkable episode. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in distinguish the words: it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime detained." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Where, then, is my wife?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my long narrative. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Yes, from Horsham." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full villagers almost as much as their master. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged became a certainty. humiliation." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still breakfast?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr.