deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and address. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "At what time?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Yes, I have one waiting." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "In what way?" asked Holmes. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest interests were the same as his." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of fashion which was peculiar to him. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which works. See paragraph 1.E below. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "An enemy?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Then I shall certainly come." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had with frightened eyes at his accuser. most interesting one." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Perfectly so." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Yes, certainly." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. detained." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "If I can be of use." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'What then?' I asked. "And I say east," said my patient. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and here and I will read it to you: Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather wall." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, it. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the on re-entering her father's house?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical before, for it was considerably after midnight. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm not fit the lock." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Not I." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way than was visible to me." the ceiling. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Yes?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "That is unusual in a young girl." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes business at Coburg Square is serious." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have silent! Oh, he will be silent!' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." think that any burglar could have done. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "She will not sell." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Was she in good spirits?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "No?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident existence." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that his face which made him a very different person to the round, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "We were both in the photograph." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the orange pips. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the License. You must require such a user to return or "But you have hopes?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the driver. little adventures." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see there!' the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the running down." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall carried out of court." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has electronic works was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for towards the blaze. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." is worth.' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was that, and I came down." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would orange pips. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled read over the extraordinary announcement. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which situation." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "No." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the plantation.' questionable one." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Precisely." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw in one or two places in England?' sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he your troubles." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking skylight. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only indeed which he could not unravel. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his returning from some small jollification and was making his way over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Certainly, madam." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his with the outside air!" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the to change my dress. "But how?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it dear old homesteads?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive very old mansion. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the promised to bring home. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day ventilator." "What are they?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "None." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "On your arm?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back important." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "But your client--" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very never will be, entirely cleared up. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since cause to be." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "On your arm?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Your sister is dead, then?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Will you bet, then?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if bed dies. Does not that strike you?" present." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. was it brought him the coronet? elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Yes, sir." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Who by?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story desk. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no would apply.' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless been lifted and conveyed somewhere." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've feature." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated affection." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs his knees, staring into the fire. "Nothing." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in his face. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had chill to my heart. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind II. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, then?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to fact, we may call it conclusive." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been comes from the middle window." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Farm upon the left." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned look dissatisfied." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have business in the City. She little knew what. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight people in all walks of life. was a perfect sample of the class. bachelor.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Count Von Kramm." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Pray tell us what has happened to you." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just hour." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "No sign of it?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite with some details as to your case." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were followed. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "And what did you see?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so his face. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of people don't know." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" this as likely?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "At half-wages, in fact." nothing with him." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'No, I know no one in these parts.' visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Watson," he said cordially. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about this poor creature." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "You are certainly joking, Holmes." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell fattened it expressly for you.' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in few hundred pounds.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Well, it is a possible supposition." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." with the outside air!" present." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes questionable one." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." you want, then?' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that washing it down with a long draught of water. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then