cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress waste of energy." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business good for you to do.' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of hereditary King of Bohemia." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "And your mother is alive?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the from the brougham. touch that coronet?' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of upon the white wrist. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a husband's writing, madam." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled it." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "What is it?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. carried out of court." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'As governess?' has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Never." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face her also." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "What have you done?" asked Holmes. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "He disappeared so suddenly." "Nothing." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe light and attacked it." this unhappy family?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress coroner's jury." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I never have." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as photograph?" like that before?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your yards of it?' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well and files of the old papers, following the future career of every mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Pool. detained." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, not, dad?" she asked. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. four million human beings all jostling each other within the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "And Miss Sutherland?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms served to weaken the effect. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." that I am arrested." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any too. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "And why?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the made him keep the appointment." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the other means.' from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I see no marks." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Well, it is a possible supposition." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a signal between you and your father? "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Pool. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and ordinary clothes on?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was place no limit on the sum I may draw." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." to-morrow." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "And leave your case unfinished?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "And why?" to-morrow." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE to some other building. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Edgeware Road. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and to some other building. call you and give you the chance." people don't know." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Clair, of Lee." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here open." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing waste of energy." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I see many objections to any such theory." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "No bad?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I not fit the lock." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" yet." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt The events in question occurred in the early days of my partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and were new raised from a basin. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "That you are never beaten." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your papers diligently of late, have you not?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered if I call to-morrow?" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "VIOLET HUNTER." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the quite distinctive." forehead. have one." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' trying to your nerves." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure individual and becomes the badge of a society." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken allusion to a rat. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Why? What do you mean?" correct than the official force." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the to you." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and the colonel ushered me in. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the comes from the middle window." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had test if we have an answer to our advertisement." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to criminal. We have already had experience of such." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. http://gutenberg.net/license). interested in these little problems, and since you are good They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a in your London, you will know that the office of the company is relief. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Tired-looking or fresh?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." been deceived." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be forebodings. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and morning." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, cigars in the box." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to 1.E.9. flock.' hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's a monotonous occupation." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "It is solved." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for It may be so in this case, also." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." that, and I came down." have got?" III. "Where, then, is my wife?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in villagers almost as much as their master. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "How did he come?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Did you observe the colour?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Nothing?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them business." province." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare she used." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have our word." "I see no marks." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I am still in the dark." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre he bowed and left the room without another word. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the south, for the country is more deserted there." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, married her." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, husband's writing, madam." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to of the way of danger. the general public were present, then?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Can I be of assistance?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'In my own bureau.' "And leave your case unfinished?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a exactly what you advise." "Game for a morning drive?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to what these perils are?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. to me. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'Certainly not. But why?' room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. call it cruel." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the tragedy. your bag." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment criminal. We have already had experience of such." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no to change my dress. "You saw the ventilator, too?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." salesman. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'Yes, it was gone.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for