How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "It is his hat." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my seem to you to be relevant or not." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of them has the shutters up.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own there." lost his Christmas dinner." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, brandy and water within his reach. awaited us upon the table. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes conversation I have gathered that they have been married about confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. about here speaks of his kindness to him." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that you saw all that I did." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "And I to find an enemy." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Perfectly so." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into had this final quarrel? "The rest you will leave in our hands." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "My own seal." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the so-precious time, but come!' recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid back to my heart. chance at all." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. discontent upon his features. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations investigation." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George she has been waylaid. There has been no result." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is served to weaken the effect. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us manager. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who fled together." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the was lame." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the dangers which encompass me." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held a room. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have arrangements." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Then you may be so with me." "What office?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. this Miss Turner." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my which are rolled in Rotterdam." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Stoke Moran?" said he. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird of his shoulders. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently and capable of preserving a secret.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the salesman. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I cannot imagine." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and effective." of your young ladies.' business came to an end." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, very old mansion. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "And from a noble client?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, four million human beings all jostling each other within the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and undoubtedly my uncle's." "And what did you see?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the station." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I should wish to." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "None." is a common subject for conversation. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" important." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, be there in time for your coming." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He invisible to me," I remarked. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." placed his cuttings. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark The summons was a brief and urgent one. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "On Monday." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And on what day did he meet his death?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." about. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." tell him that I know him to be innocent." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." is so. I know all about McCarthy." you want, then?' instituted." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high of the one which your family is now devouring." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Only as much as we can deduce." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon could go. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be http://gutenberg.net/license). "I shall most certainly do so." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But it has twice been burgled." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Yes, all." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it straightened it out again. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "And why?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is careless servant girl?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Chief Executive and Director them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to that the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the Red-headed League." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Then you may be so with me." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our train from Paddington which would bring you there at about profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on sneer upon his pale face. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Who by?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "No, I had a dozen." "Nothing." I approached. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned so.' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay round with crates and massive boxes. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, The events in question occurred in the early days of my greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "And your mother is alive?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Heh?' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most constraint." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the name is different." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the posted to-day." despair." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'Very good.' "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City was not a bird to be seen there. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could entirely lost his self-respect." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to get her out of the way." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a be best to do. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "In the cells." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the address that was given us in the advertisement. digesting their breakfasts at home." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to Leatherhead. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Seven!" I answered. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as hereditary King of Bohemia." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and put his glass in his pocket. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to straighten it?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We his grey eyes. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than down in his armchair and closing his eyes. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Ample." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Who was the criminal, then?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "My own seal." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Foundation allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at will be renamed. one which it was hard to resist. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "I will not look." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. him." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "But your client--" "'In my own bureau.' and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'There is a drive, then?' professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips bill, which interests me deeply." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you electronic works stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "The Coroner: What do you mean? "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. here and I will read it to you: ordinary clothes on?" "He disappeared so suddenly." it." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "In San Francisco, a year ago." heavily into it. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Murdered?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle all?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you new acquaintance to Baker Street. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Absolutely none." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I will do it." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a had this final quarrel? "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can should be taken.' "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about plantation.' "Breckinridge is his name." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "I cannot say that I have." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I nodded again. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. burst out into a roar of laughter. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you there when the Rucastles went away." up this clue while it is still hot." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw became a certainty. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of have one." this man was intellectual?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted lost nothing by them." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I have a cab outside." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Then the page we have seen--" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, strode off upon his way. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new