"Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I nonsense.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "And Miss Sutherland?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "But who is he?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Why, what do you mean?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I was sure that I might rely on you." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may written. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Seven!" I answered. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he had this final quarrel? looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, it were putty." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "How did he come?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Have you her photograph?" shoulder. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "How do you know, then?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I think that it is very probable." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards it with his own hands." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Get out!" said he. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier walking." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Ah!" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special than was visible to me." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Yes, I have one waiting." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where coroner's jury." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in you in your example." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence locked." father's young wife. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the drove away. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of was keenly on my guard against him. envelope. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in events than those which have happened in my own family." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a it." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an which it had come upon my father." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And how?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Yes, from Horsham." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached speckled band?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so to miss it." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. like gravel from a pit.' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Quite so. She has her freedom." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common *** START: FULL LICENSE *** their singular warning or token before them when starting upon it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' strong and stiff." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Eyford." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case him to go away.' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the child." "You have carte blanche." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Where is it, then?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. better in every way that they should make their position a little became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, asked. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "If so, much may have happened between." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, main points of my analysis." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself your most interesting statement." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, is worth.' that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the nonsense.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the were wasted." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "It is possible." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her newspaper selections." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those ordinary clothes on?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Could he throw no light?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "One of his hands." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return are, I think, all that we need." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room it means?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "'What then?' I asked. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards too. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Oh, yes, easily." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "You know me, then?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the nonsense.' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a once more to my work. "You think that he is dead?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Very murderous indeed." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about my room." nonsense.' down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may coat-tails." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to compunction about shooting them down." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There of fine shops and stately business premises that they really clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There think that any burglar could have done. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in visitors." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by walking." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "And how?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, of his shoulders. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very future lives." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Perhaps I have." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Because he was handy and would come cheap." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "That also I could fathom." "Then I am your man." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which me have 200 pounds?' "Ample." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Which are?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "If so, much may have happened between." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that husband's writing, madam." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. meant it for the best. "'Most admirably.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, acquaintance?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is security.' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "So it appears." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case in a very precise fashion." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole at my remark. fact, we may call it conclusive." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "It is possible." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'Yes, it was gone.' it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he existence." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other individual and becomes the badge of a society." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the south-west, I see." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no already referred to. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I was sure that I might rely on you." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." maiden herself was most instructive." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "How can you tell that?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the in this way: elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet without a word or a look. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Eyford." "One of the highest in England." fuss that is made over them." and have this put in the evening papers." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without to-night?" I asked. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was tied." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of campaign. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness thin, with a long, sharp nose?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "No, I am descending." dead, shall be safe with us." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "It's nothing of the kind." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "My last client of the sort was a king." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who yet." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time once more for Briony Lodge. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry right! Sit down and let us talk it over." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." relief. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Yesterday." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said other, as fresh and trim as possible. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the Assizes." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, goes." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked looking up at the numbers of the houses." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was bird I ate is country bred." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a little trying to do so much typewriting?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which