red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since chemical work which was so dear to him. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Countess of Morcar's?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "None." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the loss of it. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the and the colonel ushered me in. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all simple cases which are so extremely difficult." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age dates and names. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he your bag." to have that photograph." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Did he not advertise?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I took the paper from him and read as follows: strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the bottom.' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "But I am all in the dark." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. outsides of the windows. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw be there in time for your coming." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "I promise," said Holmes. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search not within a twentieth part of the market price." night.' said he. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "My opinion is in no way altered." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in seven miles from Eyford Station.' no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows passage and a tap at the door. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, observed. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of kind enough to tell me what I should do." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Farm upon the left." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress was a loud and authoritative tap. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who this unhappy family?" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards to miss it." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "She will not sell." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." closing the door. the devil!" sake, don't!" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent advice." leaning back in his chair. hurried by. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been means taking possession of that which another person has a prior summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from his face which made him a very different person to the round, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my unprofitable." "No bad?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I sake, don't!" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the in his hands." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their without a word or a look. "'Where to?' asked. charged with?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the from you?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get examine." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper than to us. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Have you it here?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "To an end?" in the hope of finding them." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, already referred to. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "'About the same.' easy-going way." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to village inn over there?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but that the gas is not laid on in his house?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps points to suicide?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Does that suggest anything?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Sutherland?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Certainly." Street. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the child." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "What is it?" exactly what you advise." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I cannot say that I have." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "What, then?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." friends, not even his own brother. charged with?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "He is still with you, I presume?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four mystery may be cleared along those lines." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who of note-paper. It read in this fashion: my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not your most interesting statement." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'There is a drive, then?' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "And you thought he was pulled back?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" details." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind is worth.' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are at my remark. overpowering excitement and concern. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My nice household for a young lady." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back union?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Holmes rather sternly. "Perhaps we may make them less so." you." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" look dissatisfied." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it was already answered. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Nothing?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it secret." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay with the outside air!" During two years I have had three consultations and one small clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, way: "You are certainly joking, Holmes." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on like that before?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "No?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and in the port of London." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, nonsense.' sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has clanging. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! But Holmes shook his head gravely. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the returned to France?" "In heaven's name, what for?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I cannot as yet see any connection." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You have a clue?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere directly by questioning you." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "'I shall certainly be there.' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "None." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be go back?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" quick march!" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her fatally injured? this truth that in these little records of our cases which you conduct the inquiry." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "9th. McCauley cleared. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Why did you pick him?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the of Mr. Rucastle's." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew spare." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" is acting for the best. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Then, how do you know?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. said I. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural of it with the greatest attention. go--none." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "The Coroner: What do you mean? "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, into the bag, and made for the door. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Whose house is it?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to miss it." take the flies, but not before." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So His smile broadened. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been new acquaintance to Baker Street. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a DISSOLVED. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to go--none." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. foresight and the moral retrogression?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as observed. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to tackle the facts." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "And leave your case unfinished?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should later, upon the night of May 2nd." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Yes. He waved his hands." "Then you may be so with me." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "What, then?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, 1.E.9. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "No, I had a dozen." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and empty. sooner or later she must fall a victim. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Street. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." cost them two and thirty pounds." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may good for you to do.' "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Edgeware Road. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Does that suggest anything?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the know all about it," he snarled. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'I have heard so.' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "No, finished." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and vanished into the darkness. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged