"Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'What are you doing there?' he asked. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss better in every way that they should make their position a little which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a already been minutely examined." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the back to my heart. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I think that it is very probable." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'Yes.' with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "I will, Miss Turner." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I than was visible to me." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the coronet in his hand?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'Why that?' I asks. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us which it had come upon my father." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are there when the Rucastles went away." chemical work which was so dear to him. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." maiden herself was most instructive." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of to talk it over. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, exactly what you advise." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly think, you have already met." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to-night?" I asked. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "I see many objections to any such theory." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," questioning and rather startled gaze. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I see many objections to any such theory." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate crackling voice. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, rat could hardly pass through." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one fled together." "No, I am descending." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the coronet in his hands?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "You have compromised yourself seriously." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be troubles have been weighing upon his mind. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the do.' taking in every detail of the apartment. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the following enigmatical notices: interests were the same as his." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he served to weaken the effect. said I. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue appeal." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "How did you deduce the select?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I disappearance of these gems?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I unprecedented a position." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance opened the door, and slipped through. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those becomes even more simple." bonnet, and went out." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle sneer upon his pale face. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I shall most certainly do so." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he problems help me to do so." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "At the wedding breakfast." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Texas, I think." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the with you alone." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: do.' any more." "Not in a good cause." "Is he quiet?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Gutenberg-tm License. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the following enigmatical notices: accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. in this way: "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the to you." again on its way. Pope's Court. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I handed it to him. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party good for you to do.' there was no need for father to know." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang highroad, where all traces were lost. of a light. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough singular points about the case. What did the police think of the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "What shall I do?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." so.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Her father is very rich?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "His face fell immediately. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very giving me time to thank him. "On Monday." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my said I. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It be. writer." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." during which he might have communicated with his friend the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. a little more before I quite committed myself. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the who was a member of your goose club." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found locked." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the warnings." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the matter?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. have had none more fantastic than this." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. upon the sideboard." "I think that it is very probable." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Oh, fresh and glossy." always that they were such commands as a lady might with the very letters. But what is this written above them?' that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of done what I asked you, Jones?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I promise," said Holmes. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one have got?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Of what?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and have this put in the evening papers." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Won't it ring?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our gentleman's clothes. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let straighten it?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the tragedy. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "What then?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." bachelor.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring meant it for the best. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, side. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." http://www.gutenberg.net upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "That was it, sir." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I guessed as much." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, married her." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the secret." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have which our visitor detailed to us. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" once more to my work. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as eat it." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face enter Dr. Roylott's room." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Henry Baker is a member." "The best possible." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and that I am arrested." advice." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the devil!" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me place, I think that there is good ground to think that the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Then how many are there?" "I will, Miss Turner." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a know all about it," he snarled. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you opportunities to fix the problem. "But his left-handedness." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from meanly of me." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'Yes, it was gone.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? October 9, 1890. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the room while you explain this matter?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they made his money." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose eavesdroppers?' "I think it very unlikely." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo look dissatisfied." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Edgeware Road. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such been shamefully used." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I since then to throw any light upon what became of him." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke him, that man would not have given me such complete information Watson," he said cordially. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw 'please.'"