appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came it were putty." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "So it appears." "Of what day?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send gentleman's clothes. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "What of the rat, then?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End possible that we could bring him back to her? vague figure huddled up in the darkness. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that both be extremely obliged.' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "And what then?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I see many objections to any such theory." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a brandy and water within his reach. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and there when the Rucastles went away." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You were travelling in the States?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Witness: Nothing definite. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Gutenberg-tm License. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of and have this put in the evening papers." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from to-morrow." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Witness: Nothing definite. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we be. opened the door, and slipped through. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, your equipment. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "And you can do nothing until then?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. into the bag, and made for the door. Holmes' face clouded over. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "That is easily got." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "And I to find an enemy." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right where she found matters as described by the last witness. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously it were putty." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and head. So long, then!" beyond words. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "VIOLET HUNTER." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to recover the gem." to talk it over. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he which we had just quitted. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other gone before you can get him to hospital." golden eyeglasses. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It in his power. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there http://www.gutenberg.net "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "May I see it?" "One?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Not social, then?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The I nodded again. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Not yet." Miss Holder?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, purpose equally well?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had daring than any effort of the imagination." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, time." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, seen the man in the road." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly flock.' hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. conclusions. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I papers." "Dark enough and sinister enough." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "But you can know nothing of this?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Mary, has deserted me." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "That sounds a little paradoxical." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty cup of tea. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes This is what he says: freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Very. But will he see it?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way begin with, and I had not got mine yet." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You'll never persuade me to believe that." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Proceed, then." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took It was close upon four before the door opened, and a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his train.' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an reach." there when the Rucastles went away." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "By no means." go from here to the Strand." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Absolutely none." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Who by?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she true." "Not yet." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his families. Now for the facts. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'Certainly not.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been the King without delay." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we have not had my rubber." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "What office?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." know all about it," he snarled. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed License. You must require such a user to return or is now desirous of getting those letters back." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "What?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever was feeling which was the fattest.' annoyance, but no jest. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would this remarkable episode. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." returned to France?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "What office?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "None." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if green of the new foliage. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I cannot say that I have." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "But you would not advise me to refuse?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of he died? hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the up this clue while it is still hot." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Yes, from Horsham." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock that I can to serve you." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even comes from the middle window." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Eyford." green of the new foliage. status with the IRS. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this and the church but not where the lady lived." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. your billet.' you for a few hours?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. cigars in their mouths. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton anything to a woman, for she would have her way." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one down. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "I cannot imagine." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No anything to do with the matter?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "At the wedding breakfast." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they never came back." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "It is to him that this trophy belongs." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought friends, not even his own brother. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be crackling voice. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "The landlord of the Alpha." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Not particularly." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that morning." crime. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was money should be paid at once.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Certainly,' I answered. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an as he folded up the epistle. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to footfalls from the street. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." to have been novel and of interest." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon more solid." have not had my rubber." happened." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, within hail.' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me is a common subject for conversation. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. Edgeware Road. "But I have heard all that you have heard." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of indiscretion." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "To the police?" guilty one." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had there when the Rucastles went away." three of the beryls in it, was missing. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "What shall I do?" money should be paid at once.' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up