Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. me. You must get home instantly and act." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of that you can jump it.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm waste of energy." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view all that?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons union?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly had died away into the silence from which it rose. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless to have been novel and of interest." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "What do you make of that, Watson?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, to some other building. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. which was all perfectly true. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional have accepted such a situation. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "You have compromised yourself seriously." delighted to hear it," he said. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "What, then, did Peterson do?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle union?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you to take care of herself." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "That is it on the dressing-table." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and your relations to her." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'Yes, sir.' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of he bowed and left the room without another word. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'Most admirably.' "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "BALLARAT." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I him!" more solid." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "It is possible." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Yes." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Holmes. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked events, Mr. Windibank!" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' sufficient punishment." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "But his left-handedness." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Where did you address your letters, then?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Pope's Court, Fleet Street." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. you understand?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Never." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet away to you." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "And I." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the will be renamed. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I have my revolver," said I. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." I nodded again. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the made his money." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Certainly." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Never.' I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "When did she vanish, then?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Arthur Conan Doyle all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon man. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom hereditary King of Bohemia." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "I should wish to." Stoke Moran." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his that I am arrested." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I am following you closely," I answered. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. help us in this matter." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and your relations to her." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'Never,' said I. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the said I. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous and glanced through. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the place of silver." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in asked. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most during which he might have communicated with his friend the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the matter." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who affection." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my to some other building. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very passage and a tap at the door. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying prepare for the new role I have to play." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I promise," said Holmes. and put his glass in his pocket. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time License. You must require such a user to return or a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I would pay ten." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" that you saw all that I did." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an villagers almost as much as their master. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this cigars in the box." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't said he. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "At what time?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could now. It seems that there had been some informality about their forecastle of an emigrant ship. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is washing it down with a long draught of water. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to meant it for the best. "'There is a drive, then?' reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it light and attacked it." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. next day. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'What are you doing there?' he asked. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your behind me. had died away into the silence from which it rose. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son second window is the one that I jumped from." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "You have compromised yourself seriously." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and certainly not very gracious." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "But your client--" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I developed." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the nursery. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the which are rolled in Rotterdam." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would one of the states of the Union." paper in the air. true." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She already referred to. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a fattened it expressly for you.' was keenly on my guard against him. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the ceiling. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the matter?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I am still in the dark." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with I have it here in my museum." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked place no limit on the sum I may draw." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no way in." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "To an end?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his copied or distributed: conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Very much so." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one future lives." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I little adventures." Lee, in the county of Kent." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I would pay ten." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for for securing the situation." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Ah!" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Chief Executive and Director "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had me, and I could not think that his explanation of the photograph?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off My friend smiled. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. with her." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "And you don't know his address?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were of his shoulders. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." nothing of it?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that fire. You quite follow me?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it outbreak?" been shamefully used." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. disappearance of these gems?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards started for the Temple to see my husband. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "But how could you guess what the motive was?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "But your client--" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. meant it for the best. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. plantation.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Does that suggest anything?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that present strange and interesting features that it is no easy which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of spare." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must a little more before I quite committed myself. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as at once, for I have only half an hour." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table criminal. We have already had experience of such." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I