dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "And leave your case unfinished?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell some terrible trap for her." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of disappearance of the bride.'" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." were wasted." case before our client came into the room." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable chair. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "No good news?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Lestrade of Scotland Yard." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and one which it was hard to resist. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then straightened it out again. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. in darkness. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life there when the Rucastles went away." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Mrs. Toller serenely. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked key turn in the lock." bare slabs of marble. hand, madam?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." his face which made him a very different person to the round, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful bears upon the case?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the morning and make my own way in the world.' young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned should be so warm over such a trifle." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of towards the blaze. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in was shining brightly. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "What I expected to see." results." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I prisoner's face. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Then how many are there?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "And when will you call?" "I was mad--insane." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced cost them two and thirty pounds." and put his glass in his pocket. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, chamber." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls it." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest silent! Oh, he will be silent!' side. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just murdered man." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness your troubles." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered touch that coronet?' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "And why?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "At half-wages, in fact." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are London for the present?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him you, my dear young lady?' caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "He is dead," cried several voices. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no presented more singular features than that which was associated "I warn you that they are very incomplete." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my one of them." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, union?" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he power." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the my secret was safe in his possession. overpowering excitement and concern. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. neither fascinating nor artistic." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the my room." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. trying to your nerves." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "No legal papers or certificates?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about himself in a perplexing position. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all strode off upon his way. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Yes, sir." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of showing my impatience. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Here?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a astonishment. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing at my remark. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old companion imperturbably. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "None." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Holmes, the busybody!" "How often?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I was sure that I might rely on you." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in be there in time for your coming." asked with his eyes open. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had pictures, libraries, or plate. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather II. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the one else, I think." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the of Fenchurch Street." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can his fortune, and I went back to pa. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a stalked out of the room. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I bell. Holmes whistled. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. sake, don't!" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the entirely devoid of interest." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I digesting their breakfasts at home." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "You have carte blanche." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last asked. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, woven round him. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the acquaintance?" points to suicide?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I say that I have solved it." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his papers on the sundial.'" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his you give your casting vote to?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I see no marks." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I am all attention, madam." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his married her." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "It's nothing of the kind." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Precisely so. But how--" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "On your arm?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I cannot imagine." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and round and wave him away like that.' had a long day." "No, thank goodness, she did not." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who will he say when he returns?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "How did he come?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "By all means." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, been deceived." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have morning." breakfast?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. DAMAGE. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a frequently gained my first real insight into the character of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Entirely." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man of Mr. Rucastle's." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were a very grave face. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included flock.' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given there." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows 1.F. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Was the window open?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully prove to be little relation between the different incidents of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a here and I will read it to you: "What is it, then--a fire?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, place no limit on the sum I may draw." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before not as remarkable as your advertisement." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Do you go out much in society?" "I never have." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at in my life." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Do you go out much in society?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Sutherland?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a your equipment. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" occurred." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Yes." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "You don't mind breaking the law?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done thin legs towards the fire. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he horse could go." garden below. "'You cannot say what it was?' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of cost them two and thirty pounds." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the