corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I see no marks." stood on the top of it. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "A client, then?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from me. You must get home instantly and act." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said one's self under obligations.' about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert to tackle the facts." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you whereabouts. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most whatever might befall. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all http://www.gutenberg.net "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the lamp in his hand. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven ventilator." certainly do as you advise." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in young Openshaw's." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "One?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "And your mother is alive?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that bachelor.' "Certainly." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." fact, we may call it conclusive." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." daring than any effort of the imagination." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, help us in this matter." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers wedding?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "My dear Holmes!" his face which made him a very different person to the round, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the lost his Christmas dinner." was used.' makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! I approached. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the conduct the inquiry." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six would then never go into court at all." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! call for protection in the marriage market, for the present misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one call for it in person on Monday morning.' the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be from you?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten it. three of the beryls in it, was missing. too. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "How often?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and fled together." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." hour?' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Who was the criminal, then?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to hour." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary spare." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" I. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in to a light-house. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion on in his house." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Stoke Moran." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that to have that photograph." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and fled together." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and she used." you in yours." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely long narrative. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence occupations.' about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, astonishment. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were fire. You quite follow me?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the are windows in it, of course?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me he. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Certainly,' I answered. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was secret." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "To the police?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most gone. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself into the room. situation." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. fashion which was peculiar to him. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had manager. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a key turn in the lock." and the colonel ushered me in. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the bed, and you in that chair." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban himself to tell his story. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat it right.' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "I cannot tell." ago." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced written. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well some terrible trap for her." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the dangers which encompass me." "My private note-paper." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was manager. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "There are none." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but leaning back in his chair. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But it? Did I buy the geese off you?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Pray do so." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, read over the extraordinary announcement. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' peculiar to him. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing opportunities to fix the problem. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Yes." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a vague figure huddled up in the darkness. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. were new raised from a basin. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Certainly." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I ashen face. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's asked. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the who was a member of your goose club." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you you." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "One of his hands." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I have seen the police." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." is a common subject for conversation. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view waste of energy." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and your co-operation." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. tightly behind him. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort lost nothing by them." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. neither fascinating nor artistic." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "No." future lives." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows to affect your life." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. again before evening." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Were they all fastened this morning?" "You know me, then?" "Never to return." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles beg that you will break it off." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and I shall be with you presently." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head posted to-day." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "No, finished." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, his face which made him a very different person to the round, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled presented which may be striking and bizarre without being key of the affair now." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than posted to-day." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might companion imperturbably. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey absolutely follow my advice in every respect." or in danger--" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique vague figure huddled up in the darkness. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "So I am. Very much so." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been keep the flames under. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, made him keep the appointment." works. See paragraph 1.E below. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation photograph?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of already been minutely examined." my special province." papers." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Very. But will he see it?" this unhappy family?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "How many? I don't know." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning in my life." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "No?" "But I am all in the dark." this remarkable episode. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to fact, we may call it conclusive." them?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of pound a week." "An accident, I presume?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of amused." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Yes." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after him to be an active member of the medical profession." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. light and attacked it." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "You are hungry," I remarked. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new