have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there I think that I could be of assistance to you." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "How often?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." of." "So I am. Very much so." keep the flames under. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'I have already given you my word.' drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had careless servant girl?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "The landlord of the Alpha." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her I nodded again. own family. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Holmes rather sternly. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet that you saw all that I did." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan me where it went to?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "And your mother is alive?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to nights." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled crime." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Do you go out much in society?" death." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. you." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less point in the dark hollow of his hand. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the records." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Yes." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I and that he would see to anything that turned up. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "That was it, sir." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will we went to search for him, face downward in a little had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the details." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was papers." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very a good hundred miles off by now." said I. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis made him keep the appointment." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "We must have a cab." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Precisely so. But how--" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one redistribution. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is in the port of London." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would place of silver." appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord annoyance, but no jest. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave bird of prey. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "What of the rat, then?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'I shall certainly be there.' Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, than was visible to me." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "She showed me, as I told you she would." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" is worth.' the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for and the colonel ushered me in. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this writers could invent nothing more crude." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'And the work?' protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of the way of danger. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House things are very often connected not with the larger but with the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point frequently gained my first real insight into the character of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's least a fellow-countryman. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I have come for advice." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Then he might have called to you?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I My friend smiled. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The for its centre. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my must compliment you." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. again, where I was soon asleep. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. I took the paper from him and read as follows: flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads your most interesting statement." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the your sleep?' While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Eh? What was that?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work empty. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his morning." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client advice." outbreak?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that be.' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the Friday. Was it to be in church?" and all of them with the keenest interest. "One?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "And how?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," what these perils are?" distinguish the words: and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. of the vacancies.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I was afraid that you were engaged." have one." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it to his chemical studies. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is disturbance in my wife." "I should wish to." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the seem to you to be relevant or not." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of question," said Holmes, smiling. I. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Dirty?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Not particularly." colour had been driven from his face. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life to-night?" I asked. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the matter." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, it means?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in one which it was hard to resist. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy thirty. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "You know me, then?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Then what has happened to him?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at tell them apart.' "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I am still in the dark." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon arms and began to sob in a high treble key. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face bell. Holmes whistled. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and highly," said Holmes. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the in this note: branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Is he quiet?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for of receipt of the work. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" you in your example." "And it is--" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My maid will bring up your coffee." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer this Miss Turner." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us putting in the horse. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a would then never go into court at all." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we God! What an exposure! What can I do?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager which are rolled in Rotterdam." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what noble correspondent could be. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were introspective fashion. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "But I have heard all that you have heard." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will read over the extraordinary announcement. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. It may be so in this case, also." "Did you observe the colour?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Perhaps we may make them less so." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us from the brougham. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security gentleman's clothes. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Nothing?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to his chemical studies. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "My dear Holmes!" outsides of the windows. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and was not a bird to be seen there. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." figure." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. true." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On maid will bring up your coffee." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was redistribution. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or come either from the window or the door. My attention was street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the stable lane now."