"Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "No more words. Get out!" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I am still in the dark." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "That was it, sir." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." to surprise her." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at locked. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but she has been waylaid. There has been no result." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "So I have heard." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "'In my own bureau.' foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Yes." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most minor matters until to-morrow." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Again Holmes raved in the air. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable subject to the trademark license, especially commercial fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed said he at last. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable morning." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I am still in the dark." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in something of him before." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Oh, yes, easily." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Very much so." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the wedding?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Henry Baker is a member." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Yes, it was twisted." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE his huge brown hands. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy John Swain, of St. Augustine. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the Red-headed League." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "And I to find an enemy." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." money should be paid at once.' The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "And the cigar-holder?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He straighten it?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Thank you. Pray proceed." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Most admirably.' edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of that?' evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'Where to?' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I enough to aid us in our search." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. from the brougham. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself there was no need for father to know." 'please.'" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "At the wedding breakfast." whether it answered to the description of any of their to affect your life." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'And the work?' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I crackling voice. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good suddenly upon us." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "No, distinctly professional." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "And that is--" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a as yours." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "You were travelling in the States?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "No?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a it." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I about here speaks of his kindness to him." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to habit of advancing money.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, of them has the shutters up.' "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies would apply.' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, your equipment. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and your relations to her." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Nor running a chance of arrest?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the over with notes and figures. to tackle the facts." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for and all of them with the keenest interest. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face unkempt, staring out at me. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We manager. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we overpowering excitement and concern. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and awkward doing business with an alias." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true presented more singular features than that which was associated permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the you in your example." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." chance." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." tension within him. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband in this way: villagers almost as much as their master. "He is dead," cried several voices. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Which surely he restored to their owner?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "I cannot tell." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Then I am your man." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, you." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "My Mary? Impossible!" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'A dozen yards or so.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had characteristics, but those are the more obvious." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, have been better. It is all right." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. formed some opinion?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his must compliment you." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be and laid it on the table. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered DAMAGE. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the address. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at you in your example." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" your sleep?' It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was 'I should be able to look after that for you.' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." his cane at the bell-pull. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about to arrive at through this?" "And leave your case unfinished?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' look dissatisfied." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Upon what point?" charge against him will break down." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend goes." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Quite so. She has her freedom." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "But who is he?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "But not more so than I to find you." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know shag which I had seen upon the previous night. to talk it over. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. hard-headed British jury." been able to understand it, in a very few words. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so taking in every detail of the apartment. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as a suggestive one." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. and the colonel ushered me in. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged within hail.' "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. investigation." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My bears upon the case?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Entirely." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his events, Mr. Windibank!" 'please.'" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without chance at all." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. very old mansion. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "In the cells." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "And how did you verify them?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me what is your own theory as to what took place?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "What?" pictures, libraries, or plate. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and friend's singular character. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had business matters.' it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I am in hopes that she does." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence It may be so in this case, also." important." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a This is what he says: "And how did you verify them?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Did your wife hear all this?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "And did you observe any change in her then?" both be extremely obliged.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug