whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "And now?" I asked. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, not, dad?" she asked. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' digesting their breakfasts at home." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I think that it is very probable." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker mysterious business." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Quite so." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "My Mary? Impossible!" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two writers could invent nothing more crude." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble problems help me to do so." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, public press." were wasted." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their His smile broadened. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been any more." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider your bag." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "It is solved." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if me have 200 pounds?' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "No, distinctly professional." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. floor. "What can it mean?" I gasped. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "I shall most certainly do so." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the were new raised from a basin. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that very morning of my second wedding." enter Dr. Roylott's room." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Yes." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads child?' "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Tired-looking or fresh?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the companion. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. power." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding locked." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "And why in hopes?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to said I. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning is a common subject for conversation. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "How can you tell that?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should his grey eyes. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "To ruin me." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "But what harm can there be in that?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "At what time?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'I have already given you my word.' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Holmes." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't him to go away.' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Pray continue your narrative." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the should be so warm over such a trifle." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a legal crime." It may be so in this case, also." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over threw himself down with his face to the pillow. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' forebodings. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "She walked into the breakfast-room." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this wall." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands room?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "I say it is." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" persecution?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name daring than any effort of the imagination." light and attacked it." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us stood on the top of it. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter she used." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Do you know him?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an quickly through a disagreeable task. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Entirely." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "So it appears." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" works. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," you in your example." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." page at http://pglaf.org "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Why did you pick him?" the very morning of the wedding." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "By no means." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I would give my fortune to have them back." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I shall be delighted." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I telegram would bring me down to your help." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very it were putty." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger as the one I chose?' rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and laid it on the table. never will be, entirely cleared up. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. II. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "No, distinctly professional." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "But how could you guess what the motive was?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my light and attacked it." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I was feeling which was the fattest.' swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Chief Executive and Director "On the contrary, this is the right side." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a newspaper selections." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Project Gutenberg-tm works. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to said Mr. Holder. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he telegram would bring me down to your help." "What can you not understand?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over obstinate." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Then you may be so with me." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching have had none more fantastic than this." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the success. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with place no limit on the sum I may draw." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to said I. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "She walked into the breakfast-room." http://www.gutenberg.net "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and letters?" letters?" entirely lost his self-respect." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that what I may call a really hard day's work." "We have tried and failed." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Then how many are there?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular present." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "It looks newer than the other things?" been shamefully used." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still writer." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. newspaper selections." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter murdered man." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter you?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that your Highness to the police-station?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through that the gas is not laid on in his house?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' manager. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon disappearance of the bride.'" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." about. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, http://gutenberg.net/license). in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Look there!" said he. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the happened." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "She told me to ask you." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you