"I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Then what has happened to him?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated you, my dear young lady?' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "At what time?" amused." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some persecution?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom bill, which interests me deeply." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or this as likely?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know telegram would bring me down to your help." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "But his lameness?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can business at Coburg Square is serious." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," threw himself down with his face to the pillow. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Of what day?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' enter into my head. me what he had done with the three missing stones. me upon any point which I do not make clear." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of believe that I should never have any practice at all. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the child." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Nothing." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Pool. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Countess of Morcar's?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent dear old homesteads?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Imitated." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads looking up at the numbers of the houses." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, keep the flames under. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some so far?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the look dissatisfied." "It surprised me." "I will not look." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Yes, I have one waiting." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read out of this horrible affair." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I have solved it." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike awkward doing business with an alias." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'Never.' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a gentleman's clothes. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." interest. They are important, you understand, without being he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left front of me. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the south-west, I see." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per intimate personal affairs in this public manner." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET she slowly sank and died without having recovered her society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the date of his supposed suicide." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad dead, shall be safe with us." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid question," said Holmes, smiling. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the very morning of the wedding." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that would then never go into court at all." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of again on its way. ordinary clothes on?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Very much so." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp quickly through a disagreeable task. habit of advancing money.' "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the dangers which encompass me." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. observed. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been long narrative. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Yes, sir." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the one which it was hard to resist. made him keep the appointment." observed. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "So I am. Very much so." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with observed. "You did not overhear what they said?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is hair?' floor. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy derbies." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Pope's Court, Fleet Street." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Very. But will he see it?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Sholtos." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. http://www.gutenberg.net urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. signal between you and your father? it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not footfalls from the street. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Eyford at 11:15.' afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "You have it, sir, just as it happened." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the loss of it. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Farm upon the left." colour had been driven from his face. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, as he remarks, very much against the son." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I should like to see him very much." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of touch that coronet?' "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge have not had my rubber." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many easy-going way." the bed, and you in that chair." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. or in danger--" question," said Holmes, smiling. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical served to weaken the effect. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the bachelor.' I have it here in my museum." it." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, words came to my lips. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and opened the door, and slipped through. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'It is locked up,' I answered. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back signal between you and your father? besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their lumber-room." and have this put in the evening papers." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my fire. You quite follow me?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day meant." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "And why in hopes?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white as he folded up the epistle. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the mystery." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall is a common subject for conversation. certainly do as you advise." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "How can you tell that?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "I say that I have solved it." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." is acting for the best. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the driver. "But the mystery?" success. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is of the efforts of the United States government and of the better - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Quite so." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Never." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." directors, with the result that you have seen." "'As governess?' was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the a monotonous occupation." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of meanly of me." do.' "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Dr. Becher's." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently there!' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it even of instruction." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Well." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to what these perils are?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he there in twenty minutes." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the house with me." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from shoulder; "he's all right." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'You doubt its value?' he asked. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "He might." fat-encircled eyes. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "So it appears." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, views." "'Where to?' father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." upon the shelf for the interim." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you felt the room to be a little close.' against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "At what time?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom remarked. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that shaken than I had ever seen him. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "The vanishing of the lady." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it in this note: not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the in his power. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted for securing the situation." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "And Miss Sutherland?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Absolutely?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "That sounds a little paradoxical." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. quite distinctive." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were is four-and-twenty." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. it. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed such attractions and accomplishments?' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. here and I will read it to you: day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face 11:15.' "'Why that?' I asks. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have not fit the lock." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon