surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "You are certainly joking, Holmes." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he DAMAGE. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing his wife has ceased to love him." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. have not had my rubber." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'Never.' prisoner's face. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I see no marks." "And you don't know his address?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Yes, all." sooner or later she must fall a victim. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to your co-operation." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent in the dead of the night?' "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a article?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Pray let us have it, for all that." sofa. This way, please!" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new with frightened eyes at his accuser. I shall continue with my miserable story. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I promise," said Holmes. narrative." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "That also I could fathom." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of it with the greatest attention. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, papers must be those that are destroyed.' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "It is very clear." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And business in the City. She little knew what. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "It is possible." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw strong and stiff." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very had this final quarrel? St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "We have tried and failed." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "You are certainly joking, Holmes." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. remarked. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he him. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that never came back." derbies." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with maiden herself was most instructive." make me his representative both with the servants and with the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Witness: I must still refuse. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with do.' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I wife's character?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be envelope. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary peculiar to him. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then compunction about shooting them down." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you?' sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home call it cruel." or in danger--" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the driver. "Certainly." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "I would give my fortune to have them back." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'As governess?' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "So I have heard." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "A call for help, you thought?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric voice. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Very good.' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have whereabouts. "You have the photograph?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from plantation.' your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional definite end. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said nice household for a young lady." will take you up to see the machine.' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the south-west, I see." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind prepare for the new role I have to play." Surrey." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to late!' waste of energy." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. to have been novel and of interest." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, companion. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked again, where I was soon asleep. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I someone who had been in Australia." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, wife's character?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "But what will you do?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Look there!" said he. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then all that?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I coat-tails." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the room while you explain this matter?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he back alive. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Well, some hundreds of times." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Precisely." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "That is easily got." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "How many? I don't know." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his towards the blaze. "Perhaps I have." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting allusion to a rat. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black not fit the lock." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never fasten all the windows?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, asked with his eyes open. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the chair. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Dr. Gregory B. Newby 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "She will not sell." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past discontent upon his features. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "The doctor?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, lectures into a series of tales." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the again on its way. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the coronet in his hands?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This definite end. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this to change my dress. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." knowledge of the world." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming carried out of court." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The during that time.' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "How about poison?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. if I call to-morrow?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal cost them two and thirty pounds." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of take the flies, but not before." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Not I." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "You don't mind breaking the law?" and looked back. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." look upon these things in a different way." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, third from London." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "But his left-handedness." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "The gentleman I describe." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "It's nothing of the kind." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this like that before?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as little trying to do so much typewriting?" "My dear Holmes!" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that up this clue while it is still hot." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it been shamefully used." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I second window is the one that I jumped from." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "And for present expenses?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Holmes rather sternly. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the then?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I say it is." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'Yes, it was gone.' seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I not, dad?" she asked. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "My stepfather's business papers." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another giving me time to thank him. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." carpenter." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I this man was intellectual?" "I say that I have solved it." hopeless attempt at recovering them." whole matter to your consideration." than was visible to me." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Mary, has deserted me." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was said Mr. Holder. himself to tell his story. sofa. This way, please!" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Holmes' room. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "A greater distance to travel." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. gone before you can get him to hospital." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "And leave your case unfinished?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Dark enough and sinister enough." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Yes, the wine-cellar." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on look upon these things in a different way." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "No?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret interest. They are important, you understand, without being what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ordinary clothes on?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his foot. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my call it cruel." suspect him." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Game for a morning drive?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' not come at once?"