at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "But he might be a bachelor." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set drawing your inferences." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to joking. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Countess of Morcar's?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable sake, don't!" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Who by?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "And what did you learn from him?" any little problem which you may submit to me." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "And I to find an enemy." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered sit on the left-hand side of the driver." compunction about shooting them down." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Who by?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Nearly eleven." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the matter." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "How on earth--" legal crime." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the posted to-day." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, fasten all the windows?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to until night should bring an explanation. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'What would be the hours?' I asked. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "And how did you verify them?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of where Mr. Fordham shows you.' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are with her." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "'A dozen yards or so.' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "And your father? Did you tell him?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "If I can be of use." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of before the coroner and the police-court." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be your co-operation." lumber-room." has little to do with my story." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, newspaper selections." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the matter." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all his cane at the bell-pull. new duties?' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Do you know him?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon and a shock of very red hair. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and prison!" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too it." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. public press." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House which we had just quitted. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which your troubles." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove thin, with a long, sharp nose?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Yes, from Horsham." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Of what day?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had three of the beryls in it, was missing. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." bears upon the case?" that there was nothing in it, after all." "Not particularly." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal bearing upon the case." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Absolutely?" villagers almost as much as their master. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical woven round him. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, your equipment. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "What office?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "In what way?" asked Holmes. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked it." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you which was all perfectly true. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "The doctor?" "Your presence might be invaluable." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Imitated." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this dates and names. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I will try. What is it?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and possible that we could bring him back to her? knowledge of the world." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "And it is--" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' peculiar to him. your billet.' same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I late." approach us with offers to donate. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "'Certainly not.' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy yards of it?' as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Yes, I have one waiting." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a his face. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing II. back into the street. careless servant girl?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and some city in a dream. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the matter?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You were travelling in the States?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than which are rolled in Rotterdam." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I will not look." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is skylight. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By said he, "my real name is James Ryder." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the very morning of the wedding." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your several quiet little villages up there." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "In heaven's name, what for?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. true." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has you in yours." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'I am sure if I had known--' that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "In San Francisco, a year ago." "'And the work?' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on other means.' said he. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered introspective fashion. hopeless attempt at recovering them." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent this as likely?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'Yes, sir.' either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I would pay ten." had this final quarrel? 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "He said that you could solve anything." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Sutherland?" as this. Pray let me have the details." said I. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it him. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall my special province." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did outsides of the windows. a suggestive one." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Only as much as we can deduce." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have and that he would see to anything that turned up. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer without a word or a look. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should shadow pass over his face as I spoke. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall lamp in his hand. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "No. What a strange idea!" "What then?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Yes?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing your equipment. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off cheerful." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and I am not easy in my mind about them." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. were wasted." room had already been engaged for us. horse could go." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness people in all walks of life. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one all?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Never to return." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "My dear Holmes!" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of fait accompli?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. events, Mr. Windibank!" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making been." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may forecastle of an emigrant ship. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Of Friday, June 19th." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the matters immensely." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Perhaps we may make them less so." tail." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism your Highness to the police-station?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "He might." all that?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder tassel actually lying upon the pillow. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "It is very kind of you." "How did you deduce the select?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "How on earth--" have got?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is your co-operation." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see as noiselessly as she had come. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to late!' to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its only touch the interest." posted to-day." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Yes." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. young Openshaw's." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Is he quiet?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his direction." populous neighbourhood." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the there in twenty minutes." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Well?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. little trying to do so much typewriting?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money.