have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "It is a murder, then?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally silent! Oh, he will be silent!' however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how come either from the window or the door. My attention was his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to this remarkable episode. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "What have you to say now?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had writers could invent nothing more crude." me have 200 pounds?' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'Yes, sir.' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "But what will you do?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you forebodings. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the more solid." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I cannot tell." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Was your sister dressed?" one which it was hard to resist. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and been." there." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon to go into your room and bar your shutters?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from directly by questioning you." think that he is innocent?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. room had already been engaged for us. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," in his hands." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case appeal." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to over here." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "He is still with you, I presume?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be following enigmatical notices: "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not appeared upon the scene." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "It was." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that on re-entering her father's house?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in wanted for ourselves." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the night.' said he. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'Certainly not.' I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "I shall most certainly do so." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "A confidential servant?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and prisoner's face. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." with the outside air!" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set over here." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the charged with?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was weigh very heavily upon my conscience." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you photograph a cabinet?" round with crates and massive boxes. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "That is possible." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I most interesting one." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "But of what society?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send room had already been engaged for us. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "My dear Holmes!" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt him and tried to hold him back. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Mary, has deserted me." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to to some other building. was used.' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad might have a private word with us. the inquest, and which are worth considering." IS Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That woman who has had her own way to make in the world. there is a decided draught." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Your presence might be invaluable." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'I shall certainly be there.' my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier singular points about the case. What did the police think of the with the outside air!" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to within hail.' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Deserted you?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the possible that we could bring him back to her? were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's be. "Frequently." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," October 9, 1890. room. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I whether it answered to the description of any of their this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Proceed, then." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of pictures, libraries, or plate. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" had formerly been in part my own. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally with the outside air!" Lee, in the county of Kent." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, will be renamed. jewels which you have stolen?' good-night and bustled off upon her way. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over meanly of me." in a friendly supper." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I am still in the dark." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "That is easily got." what these perils are?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers despaired of." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the tragedy. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. tell him that I know him to be innocent." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as at home. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of you." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "He said too much." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple country, and eventually married, without anyone having a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "ARAT," I read. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a could go. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in his forehead." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I leaning back in his chair. entirely lost his self-respect." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. morning." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. washing it down with a long draught of water. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "No." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain burst out into a roar of laughter. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will someone who had been in Australia." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to silent! Oh, he will be silent!' fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon against a man in the prime of life?" of this gang." again." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Could he throw no light?" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. mysterious end." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the morning and make my own way in the world.' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture crackling voice. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed foresight and the moral retrogression?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a everything which you would wish to know." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes place no limit on the sum I may draw." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his villagers almost as much as their master. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, name is different." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "But to whom?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' other means.' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without memory. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a matter." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "No?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with him to be an active member of the medical profession." point in the dark hollow of his hand. "No sign of it?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Never." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Pray continue your narrative." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the chemical work which was so dear to him. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is to me. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send there were one or two details which were new to me. But the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I will get her to show me." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father entirely devoid of interest." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of that I may have something better before very many minutes are the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to gives a meaning to it." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the little opening for the ventilator is." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "But to whom?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'There is a drive, then?' "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very photograph a cabinet?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "At the wedding breakfast." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "It is no ordinary one." "Breckinridge is his name." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you is worth.' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked one which it was hard to resist. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, might have a private word with us. "'Quite sure, dad.' bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Nothing?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'Very good.' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, too. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with during the last few years, and there are many noble families to photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down,