front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his confronted him. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, in a friendly supper." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been attention." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "A call for help, you thought?" note?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general way in everything. back into the street. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. like that before?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and clang of the bell. "That also I could fathom." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and fishes. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of not within a twentieth part of the market price." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such your room." "Yes." strong and stiff." have I gained?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Certainly, madam." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I never have." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. tell him that I know him to be innocent." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would on re-entering her father's house?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. your only hope of safety." second." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and what I may call a really hard day's work." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From business." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing go from here to the Strand." allusion to a rat. meant." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "I will do it." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what their singular warning or token before them when starting upon everything which you would wish to know." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Lee, in the county of Kent." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square case before our client came into the room." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'Where to?' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "It is possible." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, daring than any effort of the imagination." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'Certainly not. But why?' he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "You know me, then?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. fact, we may call it conclusive." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As way in." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Yes." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very residence of the great financier. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. any little problem which you may submit to me." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "An enemy?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on definite end. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "This photograph!" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which did not hear it also.' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then morning." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Stoke Moran." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." charged with?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that wedding?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "But you can know nothing of this?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his to Leatherhead. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without upon the shelf for the interim." suspect him." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in already referred to. "I never have." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel anything to do with the matter?" highroad, where all traces were lost. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "We have tried and failed." present." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his I held the little printed slip to the light. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that you." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black fish-monger and a tide-waiter." evidence," I remarked. "'As governess?' strong reason behind." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed careless servant girl?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "The murder was done with it." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Countess of Morcar's?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in weighed down with some great anxiety. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have of his shoulders. hour?' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the roots. dear old homesteads?" late!' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child confronted him. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Why did you pick him?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring chemical work which was so dear to him. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and glanced through. know what is wrong with it.' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside in this note: the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home stood on the top of it. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Nothing." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "You'll never persuade me to believe that." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Which surely he restored to their owner?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many she might be summoned. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in without a word or a look. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or 11:15.' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I would give my fortune to have them back." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "He said too much." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'About the same.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you page at http://pglaf.org really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "That you are never beaten." bearing upon the case." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He will he say when he returns?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon in a friendly supper." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, eat it." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "My private note-paper." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering when your master had gone out." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I cannot imagine." least a fellow-countryman. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" an introduction to him?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." events than those which have happened in my own family." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per mystery!" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the tragedy. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped down in his armchair and closing his eyes. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "It surprised me." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and prosperity to your house. Good-night." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Farm upon the left." over here." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "What can you not understand?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I detective. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building III. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it existence." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "He said that you could solve anything." Where does the thing come from?' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" problems help me to do so." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at our word." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." his eyes and forehead. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is narrative." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Yes, sir." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Then you may entirely rely on me." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the roots. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "You were travelling in the States?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four will be renamed. the very morning of the wedding." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Then, as to money?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, his grey eyes. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet a little more before I quite committed myself. "I will, Miss Turner." "May I see it?" your billet.' as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this