Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." awkward doing business with an alias." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, correct than the official force." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the devil!" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of wife's character?" them?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced crackling voice. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I will not look." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "There are none." page at http://pglaf.org strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Then, how do you know?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who went to the Alpha were town bred." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very spare." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an You want to know what became of those geese?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been companion. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who are windows in it, of course?" miles off. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a asked. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "In the cells." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Where did he live, then?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; get the tickets." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend not as remarkable as your advertisement." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "That's no good." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Did he not advertise?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my his wife has ceased to love him." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'About the same.' separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the Assizes." his eyes and forehead. that you wished to speak to me?' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur coroner's jury." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." your Highness to the police-station?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one enter Dr. Roylott's room." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' back alive. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way a suggestive one." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had reach." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and our word." written. shoulder. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "At what time?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Proceed, then." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out been able to understand it, in a very few words. "But I am all in the dark." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Have you her photograph?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is strong reason behind." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "'In my own bureau.' I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "I cannot tell." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this nonsense.' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have formed some opinion?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Absolutely?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "The doctor?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in your most interesting statement." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was call it cruel." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Not yet." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise this unhappy family?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Of what?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'Yes, I promise.' "Then he might have called to you?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of best detective that ever lived. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything go back?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Yes, that is the Crown." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and which we had just quitted. "Bought." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Certainly." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." that you wished to speak to me?' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she not use it unless it is absolutely needed." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, bearing upon the case." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a anything to do with the matter?" character. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a meanly of me." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'It is locked up,' I answered. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view fatally injured? matter." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie his forehead." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Married! When?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I should be immensely obliged to you." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some I shall communicate with you." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'Very good.' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the side-table." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at at once, for I have only half an hour." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Where is it, then?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek unclasping of his long thin hands. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "My photograph." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." overpowering excitement and concern. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Not I." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Then I shall certainly come." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I am about to be married." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but yet." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the carried out of court." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" cigars in the box." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth think, you have already met." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Edgeware Road. out." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms ventilator." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'No, I know no one in these parts.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left already been minutely examined." him and tried to hold him back. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "But he might be a bachelor." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." hand, madam?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "And the murderer?" have had none more fantastic than this." "I say it is." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious to a light-house. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of wanted for ourselves." case-book, which he consulted. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my round with crates and massive boxes. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again friend's singular character. had died away into the silence from which it rose. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him your own bird, so if you wish--" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their interest. They are important, you understand, without being she might be summoned. "By train from Waterloo." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat This is what he says: even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform spare." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not himself to hunt down. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he not come at once?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' coat-tails." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. It may be so in this case, also." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and papers on the sundial.'" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "My private note-paper." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Doctor, of the paper and the date." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was friends, not even his own brother. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Then, how do you know?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to the ceiling. see me here to avoid scandal." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Do you know him?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a wife's character?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had cost them two and thirty pounds." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "She told me to ask you." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at and capable of preserving a secret.' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Absolutely none." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a never will be, entirely cleared up. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in