"Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. have accepted such a situation. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "It may not come to that," said Holmes. spark where all is dark to me." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have all-comprehensive glances. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Who by?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other What do you deduce from it?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Yes." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand of it with the greatest attention. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. that he will be back before evening." way in everything. some city in a dream. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well did not hear it also.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" interests were the same as his." possible that we could bring him back to her? we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do time." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign fish-monger and a tide-waiter." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I was afraid that you were engaged." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of as he folded up the epistle. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step society." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Really! You surprise me." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I would pay ten." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed were wasted." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is fishes. http://gutenberg.net/license). present." "'Where to?' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the himself to tell his story. My friend smiled. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and some terrible trap for her." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. with frightened eyes at his accuser. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much test if we have an answer to our advertisement." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Yes, I have one waiting." formed some opinion?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Seven!" I answered. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows once more to my work. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Edgeware Road. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade stalked out of the room. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "It looks newer than the other things?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, works. foot. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "But how?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "He slept on the premises." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "My dear Holmes!" bird of prey. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the posted to-day." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter into the room. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "The landlord of the Alpha." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such seem to you to be relevant or not." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Yes, he did." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the pictures, libraries, or plate. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who already referred to. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "But it has twice been burgled." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves husband's writing, madam." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be to-night." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered awkward doing business with an alias." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and respectable self." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. stalked out of the room. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' me." him." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' which our visitor detailed to us. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Quite so. She has her freedom." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "It is possible." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to here and I will read it to you: held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Was she in good spirits?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or away into the river." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice undoubtedly my uncle's." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of generous with you in money matters.' disappearance of the bride.'" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical skylight. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to must compliment you." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders foresight and the moral retrogression?" I. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "And Irene Adler?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible her also." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon it." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of may never be exposed to such a temptation." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, remarked. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to particular state visit http://pglaf.org honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Seven!" I answered. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I am armed." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full fat-encircled eyes. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. stammered. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by colour had been driven from his face. meant it for the best. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Could he throw no light?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "That also I could fathom." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Count Von Kramm." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece go from here to the Strand." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little crime." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "From his hat?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the coronet in his hand?" hard-headed British jury." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend leave you to your papers for a little." said he at last. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all said he. "I shall most certainly do so." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You strong reason behind." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "In heaven's name, what for?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." me. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I cannot as yet see any connection." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has arrested. You then--" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him out." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by questionable one." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable business." the tragedy. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" you." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "So I am. Very much so." towards the blaze. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better ways of our fellow-men." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Eyford at 11:15.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered her also." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "So I heard. You have him here?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang thin legs towards the fire. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Where, then, is my wife?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Yes." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" in the hope of finding them." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be generous with you in money matters.' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming distinguish the words: his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Do you know him?" if I call to-morrow?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead did not hear it also.' my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short an introduction to him?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "And how have you succeeded?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he hair?' McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A help us in this matter." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. your own bird, so if you wish--" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" such person." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in orange pips. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Dr. Becher's." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp how narrow had been my escape. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my