even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes walking." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a success. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business already been minutely examined." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "When did it break out?" companion. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And use an arc-and-compass breastpin." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I am to be neutral?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "How do you know, then?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have charged with?" "Certainly, madam." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Very much so." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have completely overtopped every other consideration that we both say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Miss Holder?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Eh? What was that?" you came in." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "What is it?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are an introduction to him?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital against a man in the prime of life?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "But you were on a friendly footing?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography him, that man would not have given me such complete information slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Yes." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" points to suicide?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I answered that I had not. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Pool. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most your most interesting statement." husband's writing, madam." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I attention." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. 11:15.' year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a with the outside air!" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the know all about it," he snarled. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural The events in question occurred in the early days of my that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "None." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, fatally injured? beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'Ten to two.' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "But he might be a bachelor." "In the cells." really the only notable feature about the thing." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which yourselves in at night?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others point in the dark hollow of his hand. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Absolutely?" dramatic, in fact." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "And for present expenses?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his written. "Then I am your man." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed visitors." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Lee, in the county of Kent." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe mysterious end." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he that he will be back before evening." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "None." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" paper in the air. my former friend and companion. a monotonous occupation." "They are typewritten," I remarked. everything which you would wish to know." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are mystery may be cleared along those lines." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. him!" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as and the colonel ushered me in. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "None." your room." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He his face. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "But who is he?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe now. It seems that there had been some informality about their word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I see no marks." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Then you may be so with me." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "My opinion is in no way altered." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself get the tickets." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had hurried away. "No legal papers or certificates?" "What I expected to see." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Then you may be so with me." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "'Ample.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the My friend smiled. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "I think it very unlikely." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." husband's writing, madam." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to became a certainty. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the helping a boy to put up the shutters. had formerly been in part my own. husband's writing, madam." generous with you in money matters.' to some other building. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "And that is--" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. in a friendly supper." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Then you may entirely rely on me." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty DISSOLVED. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." should be so warm over such a trifle." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Then what has happened to him?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, humiliation." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I will, Miss Turner." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that own family. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I assist you in forming an opinion." upon the shelf for the interim." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I shall most certainly do so." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother bore every mark of being an average commonplace British exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "If so, much may have happened between." drove away. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. sake, don't!" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "An enemy?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "You think that he is dead?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "The murder was done with it." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be more solid." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for spark where all is dark to me." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on acquaintance?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. affection." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You did not overhear what they said?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my wedding?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Just look it up, then." "Witness: I must still refuse. sufficient punishment." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "To an end?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new flock.' to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round DAMAGE. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must there when the Rucastles went away." your room." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "In the cells." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Ample." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing that you saw all that I did." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "No sign of it?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, October 9, 1890. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," business came to an end." His smile broadened. the roots. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "How often?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Texas, I think." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." may never be exposed to such a temptation." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." overpowering excitement and concern. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "From his hat?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our I think that I could be of assistance to you." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." orange pips. "And how did you verify them?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier outside. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in acquaintance?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I should wish to." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father handed it to him. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you answer." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at From what you have told me I think that it is possible that with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink will be renamed. "'What do you call purely nominal?' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. is four-and-twenty." "'I have heard so.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in placed his cuttings. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "What! You do not mean bodies?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "But to whom?" "It is half-past ten now." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' It may be so in this case, also." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is direction." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the inner apartment." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. hurried by. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out,