signal between you and your father? photograph?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "You will not go there first?" "Game for a morning drive?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were highly," said Holmes. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Then how many are there?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "When did she vanish, then?" "I say it is." least a fellow-countryman. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." death." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' standing smiling on the door-step. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I have a cab outside." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You have it, sir, just as it happened." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Has he come with you to-night?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "I cannot as yet see any connection." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me peculiar to him. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "A client, then?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. fluttered off among the others. "Proceed, then." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I cannot imagine." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just made him keep the appointment." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel head. So long, then!" think that any burglar could have done. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully might help us?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I know where it is." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at have had none more fantastic than this." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in wedding?" late!' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, said he at last. "One of his hands." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "By all means." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a frequently gained my first real insight into the character of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I fear not." into the room. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "And how in the world did you find them?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the do." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. me. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his returned to France?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "You think that he is dead?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "But the mystery?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Yes." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, prepare for the new role I have to play." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Certainly." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the morning and make my own way in the world.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must subject to the trademark license, especially commercial to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall miles off. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled fattened it expressly for you.' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "When did it break out?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Well, some hundreds of times." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "On your arm?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be beg that you will break it off." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "To an end?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I of his shoulders. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our must be when I saw the door open.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." society." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know village inn over there?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. him. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too whole matter to your consideration." "Then I do not see the point." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint cup of tea. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door right! Sit down and let us talk it over." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to troubles have been weighing upon his mind. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I himself. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon crime. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his be best to do. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered not, dad?" she asked. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "No, I had a dozen." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the to change my dress. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the carpenter." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the I have it here in my museum." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to that I can to serve you." "Yes." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little away into the river." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your made his money." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among and the whole place is in a blaze." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "No." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such followed. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "But I am all in the dark." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through corner of the building. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" never will be, entirely cleared up. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I cannot tell." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the any more." roused himself from his reverie. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know him, that man would not have given me such complete information shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and put his glass in his pocket. "Bought." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though for securing the situation." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "A client, then?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Yes, there are nearly always some there." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at that he has suffered." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Yes." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Why did you pick him?" "'Entirely.' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Where did he live, then?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. upon the sideboard." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than spare." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no generous with you in money matters.' "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that other, as fresh and trim as possible. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of all that?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Oh, the cause is excellent!" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very for its centre. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of The telegram which we eventually received came late one night in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version since then to throw any light upon what became of him." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, constraint." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his down from London to inquire more deeply into it." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Then I do not see the point." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "What shall I do?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'About the same.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black American. Then who could this American be, and why should he forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "So I heard. You have him here?" "I see no marks." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. here and I will read it to you: "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "One?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be enter Dr. Roylott's room." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if details should find their way into the papers. Inspector full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." a monotonous occupation." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the little adventures." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be skylight. "It certainly sounds feasible." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I