room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the devil!" "That's no good." your Highness to the police-station?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This said he. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Did he not advertise?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all fashion which was peculiar to him. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a me where it went to?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with tell him that I know him to be innocent." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal other means.' cigars in the box." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Will you go?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant business." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull tapping his fingers upon the table. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I will not look." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "When did she vanish, then?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more situation." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for as he remarks, very much against the son." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "No. What a strange idea!" "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Witness: It was. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger asked with his eyes open. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are of the way of danger. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "What, then, did Peterson do?" look upon these things in a different way." man. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the best of training." his eyes and forehead. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking assist you in forming an opinion." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that obstinate." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of wedding?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, past. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "You think so, too?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will quick march!" his knees, staring into the fire. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." States. "'It is locked up,' I answered. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side and I shall be with you presently." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "My last client of the sort was a king." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story he. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had not as remarkable as your advertisement." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always help us in this matter." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' directors, with the result that you have seen." "This concluded the examination of the witness." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. to arrive at through this?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, awaited us upon the table. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you becomes even more simple." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I have solved it." companion imperturbably. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We to-night's adventure." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "I have seen the police." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it to that open window." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "And who is her maid?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under swore that no one else had been in the front room during the relief. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right upon the shelf for the interim." behind me. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a yards of it?' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the with the outside air!" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. in one or two places in England?' with the outside air!" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything throat." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more thirty. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a wedding?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room all?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and me where it went to?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I have hopes." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other disappearance of the bride.'" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt directors have had misgivings upon the subject." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of in. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Never." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "What!" he roared. from you?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Who by?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, astonishment. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. to Leatherhead. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present a monotonous occupation." go from here to the Strand." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "You have a clue?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for in one or two places in England?' they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with it. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' ways including including checks, online payments and credit card time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I warn you that they are very incomplete." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that to tell." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do ourselves in the office." towards the blaze. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my washing it down with a long draught of water. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." events than those which have happened in my own family." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "None." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges bedroom door." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Then you may be so with me." was a loud and authoritative tap. returned to France?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in him. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what as he remarks, very much against the son." "'Quite sure, dad.' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' attention." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously could go. I am not easy in my mind about them." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was least a most suspicious remark." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, off." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present away in different directions, and I went off to make my own foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly wedding?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the points to suicide?" one of the states of the Union." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'Yes, sir.' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "By no means." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. orange pips. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father leaning back in his chair. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "An enemy?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "What can it mean?" I gasped. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the side-table." breakfast." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "It must be recovered." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given his huge brown hands. o'clock is it?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by used to be." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. fluttered off among the others. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I was afraid that you were engaged." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is together. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, room?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the inner apartment." place of silver." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab,