repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Did you become engaged then?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at beyond words. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "And on what day did he meet his death?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off bell. Holmes whistled. the coronet in his hands?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of mysterious business." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of For additional contact information: "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you served to weaken the effect. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Not in a good cause." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." appeal." any." me what he had done with the three missing stones. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a me." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm spare." "Then, how do you know?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, kind enough to tell me what I should do." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by be there in time for your coming." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, congenial hunt. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "What can it mean?" I gasped. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "That is unusual in a young girl." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which ago." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with been deceived." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. I have it here in my museum." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "You will not go there first?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "And how?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." morning." "No, finished." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "There is the writing." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Yes." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, in a very precise fashion." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Here?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "And how did you verify them?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by night.' said he. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily waste of energy." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "But what will you do?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you excitement. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Yes." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" in. "No, my brougham is waiting." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "I don't believe it." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" must compliment you." other lovers by making love himself." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite new acquaintance to Baker Street. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Nothing." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I answered that I had not. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "How are you getting on?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the prisoner's face. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are maid will bring up your coffee." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Pope's Court. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "He slept on the premises." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now at a side door. round and wave him away like that.' be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than himself to tell his story. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'Certainly not.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these touch that coronet?' salesman. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "'Why that?' I asks. individual and becomes the badge of a society." I took the paper from him and read as follows: is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down cigars in their mouths. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously must be when I saw the door open.' that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the very morning of the wedding." important." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, happened." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a remarked. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "But you were on a friendly footing?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his it." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the do.' lectures into a series of tales." "By no means." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "And I." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your back into the street. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." was feeling which was the fattest.' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and put his glass in his pocket. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found entirely lost his self-respect." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps you, my dear young lady?' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "This concluded the examination of the witness." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous name is different." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I papers." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." only touch the interest." at my remark. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that always that they were such commands as a lady might with that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds present." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Absolutely none." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But how did you gain them?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "An enemy?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. sooner or later she must fall a victim. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You have the photograph?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the coronet in his hands?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only any more." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ had formerly been in part my own. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Dirty?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "What then?" "Come in!" said Holmes. not as remarkable as your advertisement." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would skylight. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "This photograph!" jewels which you have stolen?' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day It may be so in this case, also." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your reach." shall use the carriage to-night." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. particular state visit http://pglaf.org black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." had picked up in the wood. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is national property. I was determined that the law should have its matters immensely." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn future lives." into the room. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb man. I know him from the photograph." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper do you make of it all?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where before the coroner and the police-court." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Murdered?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an golden eyeglasses. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all be. Mrs. Toller serenely. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I cannot think." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his approach us with offers to donate. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "I should like to see him very much." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own wall." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture bearing upon the case." "Come in!" said he. 11:15.' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid galvanised. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' bed dies. Does not that strike you?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without out of this horrible affair." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "One?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Holmes. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I of a light. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the you in yours." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk without a word or a look. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I heavily into it. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'And what salary do you ask?' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I should be immensely obliged to you." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner strong and stiff." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a paper in the air. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. investigation." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few empty. as noiselessly as she had come. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "That is it on the dressing-table." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was garden below. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you,