supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there I approached. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. against a man in the prime of life?" friends, not even his own brother. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." a suggestive one." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I you want, then?' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, gives a meaning to it." upon an income of about 60 pounds." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I promise," said Holmes. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "But we can't all be." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. is," said he presently: what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, meanly of me." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "And sit in the dark?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the address that was given us in the advertisement. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the breakfast?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I know where it is." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Do you know him?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "What then?" "And sit in the dark?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter imbecility!" he cried. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the following enigmatical notices: most interesting one." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, my room." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "It goes to the housekeeper's room." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "No, thank goodness, she did not." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my business in the City. She little knew what. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which late." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in that, and I came down." "Ah!" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Arthur Conan Doyle blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot heavy and sharp instrument." congenial hunt. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "They are typewritten," I remarked. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Dark enough and sinister enough." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as prisoner's face. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Of what?" know what is wrong with it.' bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "BALLARAT." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I during which he might have communicated with his friend the to affect your life." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too experiences." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a fishes. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the absorbing." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that washing it down with a long draught of water. strength." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly 11:15.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, passage and a tap at the door. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something answer." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the then?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "And what did you learn from him?" "My opinion is in no way altered." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand past. them, and came down just as you departed. "It was." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what voice. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair delighted to hear it," he said. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your giving me time to thank him. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'It is locked up,' I answered. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Yes." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Pope's Court, Fleet Street." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in my friend's incisive reasoning. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from that I may have something better before very many minutes are distinguish the words: He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Sholtos." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to you in your example." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, ashen face. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her telegram would bring me down to your help." as he folded up the epistle. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "By train from Waterloo." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the salesman. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. stepfather?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Yes." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the lamp. presented more singular features than that which was associated objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three client, rising. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and ways of our fellow-men." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Yes." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "So I am. Very much so." figure." better in every way that they should make their position a little "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "That is easily got." depend upon your compliance." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable went to the Alpha were town bred." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went purpose of examination. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; events, Mr. Windibank!" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "So I have heard." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'Where to?' II. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "No, I think that I'll take it." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found o'clock is it?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by noble correspondent could be. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "She will not sell." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without seem to you to be relevant or not." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell from the brougham. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to handed it to him. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "A client, then?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "But what will you do?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I think that it is very probable." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had through." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'And what salary do you ask?' with frightened eyes at his accuser. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the back alive. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "It is no ordinary one." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open all that?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to up this clue while it is still hot." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical chamber." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it to tackle the facts." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the strength." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "None." "You saw the ventilator, too?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do if I call to-morrow?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'Yes, sir.' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" stammered. see me here to avoid scandal." "But his left-handedness." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'You doubt its value?' he asked. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Pope's Court, Fleet Street." other lovers by making love himself." I have it here in my museum." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, them present such singular features as the strange train of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and hair?' week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by one of the states of the Union." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Miss Holder?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open to take care of herself." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor felt?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural whatever might befall. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in trifles." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in putting in the horse. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "It may not come to that," said Holmes. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "No." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. been with you?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love enter Dr. Roylott's room." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the only touch the interest." as he remarks, very much against the son." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'What then?' I asked. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." entirely lost his self-respect." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. even of instruction." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Yes." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made to you." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure From what you have told me I think that it is possible that another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. speckled band?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most the salesman. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers had a long day." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' of Mr. Rucastle's." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the jewels which you have stolen?' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. again before evening." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "How many? I don't know." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "There is the writing." the south-west, I see." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt.