never will be, entirely cleared up. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "'As governess?' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'Stolen!' he cried. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Can I be of assistance?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should desk. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I assure you that I am in your hands." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had look dissatisfied." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose detained." business." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had investigation." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Where is it, then?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw photograph?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense him and tried to hold him back. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he this as likely?" your Highness to the police-station?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Stolen." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the round and wave him away like that.' less than 26s. 4d. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the was a lad." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "How long did she speak to this Alice?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Yes." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. lost nothing by them." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of waste of energy." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about go back?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "You have it, sir, just as it happened." nonsense.' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I will not look." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself look upon these things in a different way." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his neither fascinating nor artistic." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And your mother is alive?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his already referred to. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Yes." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their spare." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "I saw her in conversation with her maid." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "My opinion is in no way altered." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," where Mr. Fordham shows you.' a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I cannot tell." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that away to you." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Why did you pick him?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I more solid." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to father's young wife. and no precautions can guard against." Sutherland. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Whose house is it?" what these perils are?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from new acquaintance to Baker Street. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of words came to my lips. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" grasp, he hurried from the room. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty letters?" Literary Archive Foundation the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your strength." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into nights." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible which are rolled in Rotterdam." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." clanging. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which formed some opinion?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and presume?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter any more." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, ventilator." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the neither fascinating nor artistic." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of you?' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that me." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." said I. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I guessed as much." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly this truth that in these little records of our cases which you to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to might have a private word with us. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, instituted." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of tied." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking night.' said he. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose them, and came down just as you departed. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we his face which made him a very different person to the round, "And what then?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged little adventures." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' prisoner's face. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it business." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar gbnewby@pglaf.org it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that point our research must commence, and we will begin it by hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The disappearance of these gems?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" leaning back in his chair. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when you in your example." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "We must have a cab." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "And what did you see?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently nonsense.' "You have a clue?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the tragedy. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a from you?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "No." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest green of the new foliage. something of him before." delirious. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "But to whom?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "And leave your case unfinished?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name becomes even more simple." point in the dark hollow of his hand. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. returning from some small jollification and was making his way midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He use an arc-and-compass breastpin." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "To ruin me." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. weary and pale-looking. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "None." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to feature." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she me. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. chair. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. go back?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical some place of shelter and let the county police know what has And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "At what time?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing highroad, where all traces were lost. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' foresight and the moral retrogression?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is locked. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "It is possible." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in there has been an enclosure here!" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the fasten all the windows?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but October 9, 1890. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the date of his supposed suicide." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was pound a week." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "It missed him, then?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." system of imprisonment?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban are, and they are waiting for us." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. begun to whiten, even as mine has." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." him." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that I am arrested." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" spark where all is dark to me." flock.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Yes." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "And when will you call?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't is," said he presently: it? Did I buy the geese off you?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait evidence," I remarked. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They of the way of danger. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" case-book, which he consulted. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our her also." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her night.' said he. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the business matters.' doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is you do it in twenty minutes!' out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Do you go out much in society?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': appointment with me for six o'clock?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the