his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from occurred." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called 'please.'" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. go from here to the Strand." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to with her." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "You have but to name it." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Nothing?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "I beg pardon." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "He disappeared so suddenly." was a perfect sample of the class. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, crowd. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Certainly." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the may never be exposed to such a temptation." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the had this final quarrel? the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his public press." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the question," said Holmes, smiling. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, money should be paid at once.' Pool. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers DISSOLVED. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The which are rolled in Rotterdam." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. with frightened eyes at his accuser. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a indeed happy." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this other lovers by making love himself." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "He is still with you, I presume?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet asked. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "What are they?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Were they all fastened this morning?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble wanted for ourselves." in his power. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the awkward doing business with an alias." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. entirely devoid of interest." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney have one." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that letters?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "And the murderer?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid security.' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of brain must have something in it." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Then let me do so?' overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, tied." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "And when will you call?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, daring than any effort of the imagination." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Were they all fastened this morning?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'Entirely.' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you all-comprehensive glances. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this to change my dress. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "My own seal." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I cannot tell." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The presented more singular features than that which was associated finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her point our research must commence, and we will begin it by adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in but preventing her from injuring another. during that time.' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the points to suicide?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' strength." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San to-night." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow manager. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" bare slabs of marble. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was his cane at the bell-pull. before, for it was considerably after midnight. events, Mr. Windibank!" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did quick march!" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: His smile broadened. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Yes." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the before the coroner and the police-court." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we humiliation." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns enter into my head. away into the river." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "What is it, then--a fire?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "But his left-handedness." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the purpose of examination. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Yes, the wine-cellar." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Sutherland?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "One?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what I have it here in my museum." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! green of the new foliage. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account characteristics, but those are the more obvious." that I am arrested." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us it. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Lee, in the county of Kent." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that you." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Never." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "But how did you gain them?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant remarked. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into strength of mind to control. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. you in yours." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the least a most suspicious remark." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' empty. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms It was close upon four before the door opened, and a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is arrangements." "And who is her maid?" "My own seal." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'And what salary do you ask?' the child." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "But how?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be was feeling which was the fattest.' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with behind me. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "My photograph." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm over with notes and figures. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; this Miss Turner." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. have I gained?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich you." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and shall probably return to London by the evening train." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of direction." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the believe that I should never have any practice at all. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. before the coroner and the police-court." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's nonsense.' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he unclasping of his long thin hands. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "To the police?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until door?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss if only as a check to my own memory." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of vanished into the darkness. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at stalked out of the room. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied more terrible than the truth. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'Then let me do so?' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father him to go away.' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'Quite sure, dad.' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "But how?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and following enigmatical notices: only touch the interest." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin will he say when he returns?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "We have tried and failed." "I will try. What is it?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it over with notes and figures. "But I am all in the dark." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to what I may call a really hard day's work." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me,