wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at money should be paid at once.' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Yes, sir." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare photograph?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. It may be so in this case, also." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which for securing the situation." was not a bird to be seen there. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much other lovers by making love himself." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to my friend's incisive reasoning. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she returned to France?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds what these perils are?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a have accepted such a situation. crime." is a common subject for conversation. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Were they all fastened this morning?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Entirely." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips investigation." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the used to be." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "But your client--" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the himself in a perplexing position. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Not social, then?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Never." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Well, some hundreds of times." hands. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed secret." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "But she will refuse." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, with you?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a page at http://pglaf.org guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "In San Francisco, a year ago." "'Yes, sir.' a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, populous neighbourhood." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, has little to do with my story." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the gone. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was disappearance of the bride.'" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as chair. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "And now?" I asked. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who trifles." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie with you?" His smile broadened. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "'Then let me do so?' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter chair. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied galvanised. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled about. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "It was an hour's good drive." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Never." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate you give your casting vote to?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. with you?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found man. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Yes, all." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. signal between you and your father? "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in detained." "What! a murderous attack?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Who was the criminal, then?" a little more before I quite committed myself. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety fluttered off among the others. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the so-precious time, but come!' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "He is dead," cried several voices. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. key of the affair now." "Yes." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "In which, sir?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the article?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret until night should bring an explanation. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to this Miss Turner." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, his cane at the bell-pull. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon trying to your nerves." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I beg pardon." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'What, the red-headed man?' I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon your only hope of safety." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On returning from some small jollification and was making his way out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back From what you have told me I think that it is possible that fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all public press." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Perfectly so." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging past. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'Certainly not. But why?' don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many on in his house." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly way: forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Not him." visitors." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a seem to you to be relevant or not." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I upon the sideboard." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." do." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Sutherland?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "On Monday." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage before the coroner and the police-court." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way occupations.' fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I anything to do with the matter?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I rooms." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the charge against him will break down." them?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "But not more so than I to find you." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice not within a twentieth part of the market price." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is it." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a row." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from corner of the building. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural of them has the shutters up.' could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it fuss that is made over them." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It is his hat." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." might help us?" coroner's jury." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to national property. I was determined that the law should have its turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "And what did you learn from him?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up him, that man would not have given me such complete information with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have ventilator." "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very most interesting one." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, I shall communicate with you." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at himself in a perplexing position. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Perfectly so." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in photograph a cabinet?" dramatic, in fact." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the you understand?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there drawing your inferences." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "'Where to?' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Of what?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Certainly, madam." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the tapping his fingers upon the table. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, entirely devoid of interest." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, arrangements." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that was lame." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. newspaper selections." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "And why in hopes?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual may have an influence upon European history." should be taken.' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Ah!" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! rat could hardly pass through." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard signal between you and your father? "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper if she died from some sudden fright." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And leave your case unfinished?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will of the vacancies.' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "No, I had a dozen." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing one of them." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her presented more singular features than that which was associated "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have that before taking the final step I should like to submit the already referred to. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black likely to be some crony of the landlady's." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Breckinridge is his name." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all congenial hunt. be sorry for having acted so harshly." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any directors have had misgivings upon the subject." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "And how did he make his money?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Murdered?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself just called myself is not exactly my own." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that