"So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we at a side door. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I good for you to do.' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I have hopes." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell thin, with a long, sharp nose?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "None. Neville wrote those words." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" my little problems." remarked. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "But I have heard all that you have heard." easy-going way." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to and wait." to-night?" I asked. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I will do it." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "You think that he is dead?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the to take care of herself." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend passage and a tap at the door. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a as he folded up the epistle. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." of the way of danger. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" upon the sideboard." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was distinguish the words: Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Well, but China?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you I nodded again. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed said he. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two in the dead of the night?' the so-precious time, but come!' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the and the colonel ushered me in. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the bed, and you in that chair." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have breakfast." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Very truly yours, "Game for a morning drive?" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. gbnewby@pglaf.org outbreak?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Miss Holder?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white matter." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were with you?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. one of them." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Miss Holder?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Oh, fresh and glossy." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without window when the police appeared." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and John Swain, of St. Augustine. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer The telegram which we eventually received came late one night desk. power." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Thank you. Pray proceed." help us in this matter." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the suddenly upon us." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Heh?' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Then I can wait in the next room." locked." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from to affect your life." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and best detective that ever lived. started for the Temple to see my husband. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "This photograph!" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You don't mind breaking the law?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's she used." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, to-night?' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Won't it ring?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" jewels which you have stolen?' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the roots. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, in darkness. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. allusion to a rat. "No." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in will be renamed. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us geese which you supplied to the Alpha." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and the church but not where the lady lived." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who there!' neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the legal crime." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever lips." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured cigars in their mouths. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "What then?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'What do you call purely nominal?' the matter." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that I shall communicate with you." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of morning." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I am to be neutral?" "The best possible." "None." past. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well even of instruction." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "One?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging asked. started for the Temple to see my husband. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a DISSOLVED. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the address that was given us in the advertisement. the Assizes." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "And your father? Did you tell him?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I think that it is very probable." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the asked. very old mansion. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be breakfast." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite place no limit on the sum I may draw." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture whatever might befall. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been call for it in person on Monday morning.' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I am about to be married." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Your French gold?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then not use it unless it is absolutely needed." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. never will be, entirely cleared up. "Did your wife hear all this?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence right! Sit down and let us talk it over." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Eyford." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush very old mansion. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I cannot as yet see any connection." joking. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain meant." point in the dark hollow of his hand. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Very truly yours, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "The best possible." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the your own bird, so if you wish--" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to digesting their breakfasts at home." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" once more to my work. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. digesting their breakfasts at home." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney my little problems." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "And how have you succeeded?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry there in twenty minutes." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I friend's singular character. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Seven!" I answered. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and fear." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to it right.' "And I say east," said my patient. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I guessed as much." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." one of the states of the Union." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "May I see it?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Imitated." in his power. "And when will you call?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send taking in every detail of the apartment. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the are, and they are waiting for us." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" business." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial side. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by window when the police appeared." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his formed some opinion?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "How did you trace it, then?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps some place of shelter and let the county police know what has pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I but preventing her from injuring another. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in was the fact that his father should, according to his account, you?' you do it in twenty minutes!' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the persecution?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from of campaign. "I don't believe it." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Ah!" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished tell me that you intended to go into harness." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and