Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his six. Come in!" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? crowd. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "No?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Foundation that there was nothing in it, after all." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I say that I have solved it." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the works. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "And why?" my former friend and companion. "Precisely." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "And why in hopes?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "And on what day did he meet his death?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't all?" maiden herself was most instructive." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Frequently." "'Entirely.' into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Never." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'Is purely nominal.' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "My Mary? Impossible!" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last them present such singular features as the strange train of 1.F. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your think that he is innocent?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'And what salary do you ask?' hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the window, rose as we entered. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I soul! here is her carriage at the door." to tackle the facts." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray your equipment. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Holmes rather sternly. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, extraordinary contortions. I was concerned in it." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "What are they?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen had picked up in the wood. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. photograph?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his prisoner's face. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "It surprised me." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "But what will you do?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Mrs. Toller serenely. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "What have you done?" asked Holmes. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for remarked. than was visible to me." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the night.' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and outside." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just our word." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are newspaper selections." excitement. only touch the interest." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace will be renamed. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission for the market.' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their been lifted and conveyed somewhere." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his II. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to felt the room to be a little close.' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. yards of it?' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in extraordinary contortions. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four putting in the horse. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "I cannot as yet see any connection." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his examination of the premises, but without finding anything which possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter character. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their hour?' method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Stoke Moran?" said he. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I appeal." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove be. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Have you her photograph?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn is a common subject for conversation. sooner or later she must fall a victim. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote to his chemical studies. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. case before our client came into the room." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, becomes even more simple." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those village inn over there?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. success. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was and effective." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the interests were the same as his." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not strength in the others." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "The Cedars?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my was feeling which was the fattest.' have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the The King stared at him in amazement. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Where could I find him?' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. For additional contact information: were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Stolen!' he cried. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "What?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Tired-looking or fresh?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age becomes even more simple." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and kindly on the shoulder. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after said he. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled crime. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "The best possible." was feeling which was the fattest.' and it need not interfere very much with one's other right! Sit down and let us talk it over." row." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" washing it down with a long draught of water. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "By all means." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "I am in hopes that she does." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the what do you think they found in the pockets?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "It is a murder, then?" "That was it, sir." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "They are typewritten," I remarked. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of father's place of business?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, congenial hunt. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped were wasted." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be for its centre. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an congenial hunt. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you to tell." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "But to whom?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and directors, with the result that you have seen." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "But who is he?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Was the window open?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was spark where all is dark to me." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no forecastle of an emigrant ship. leave you to your papers for a little." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: you." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything all-comprehensive glances. that you can jump it.' name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Witness: I must still refuse. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And on what day did he meet his death?" "It is solved." bearing upon the case." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain you found me to-night--and running through the front room she it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been mysterious business." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Well, it is a possible supposition." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the to affect your life." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and I shall be with you presently." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Yes, certainly." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Stolen." address. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I have my revolver," said I. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I in his power. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where I have it here in my museum." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose his fortune, and I went back to pa. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "You are all wrong." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these he died? Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I was afraid that you were engaged." there when the Rucastles went away." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and to some other building. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and put his glass in his pocket. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might indeed happy." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Quite so. She has her freedom." up this clue while it is still hot." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "How many? I don't know." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was you do it in twenty minutes!' intrusion of other matters." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in his face. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of green of the new foliage. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. me have 200 pounds?' understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by was a perfect sample of the class. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly