"This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Where did he live, then?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag had this final quarrel? "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "And now?" I asked. horse could go." tail." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'Where to?' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before must compliment you." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, figure." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and over with notes and figures. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in future lives." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the child." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. gone. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Not yet." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Mary, has deserted me." sufficient punishment." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet already been minutely examined." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very ago." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "I am still in the dark." instituted." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without young Openshaw's." society." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "This concluded the examination of the witness." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Not I." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." affection." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and habit of advancing money.' come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "And for present expenses?" cheerful." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Yes, it would be as well." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "What then?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door http://www.gutenberg.net excitement. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than to a light-house. "Ample." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "And I say east," said my patient. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, business in the City. She little knew what. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to shall not find me ungrateful." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "And you thought he was pulled back?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the south-west, I see." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. for its centre. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage certainly do as you advise." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Pool. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into his grey eyes. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell outside. Serpentine Avenue. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Was there a secret marriage?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I fear not." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It most important business. It is probable that he will be away all aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Married! When?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the derbies." was a loud and authoritative tap. his cane at the bell-pull. "On your arm?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the matter." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I should be immensely obliged to you." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a sofa. This way, please!" me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what carpenter." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" fled together." this Miss Turner." as noiselessly as she had come. chambers. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "I am armed." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should coat-tails." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "I am in hopes that she does." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, stammered. he. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' weighed down with some great anxiety. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a bled considerably." voice. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was had picked up in the wood. his huge brown hands. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, miles off. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "No bad?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the one as in the other." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "That was it, sir." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a of your young ladies.' "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'And what salary do you ask?' hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. business at Coburg Square is serious." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are then?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' this remarkable episode. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Ah!" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City his wife has ceased to love him." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "I say that I have solved it." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to business." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "But it has twice been burgled." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. introspective fashion. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of very morning of my second wedding." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect asked with his eyes open. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm From what you have told me I think that it is possible that everything which you would wish to know." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and to have been novel and of interest." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the goes." "But how?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." light and attacked it." detective. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life was already answered. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "But it has twice been burgled." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again corner of the building. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and when you have done it." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Yes, he did." the coronet at all injured?" the room while you explain this matter?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again deduce something from that?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she will take you up to see the machine.' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her one or two very singular points about this room. For example, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "And leave your case unfinished?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in subject to the trademark license, especially commercial quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." walking." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Will you bet, then?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He is so. I know all about McCarthy." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Was she in good spirits?" fasten all the windows?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric house for five minutes.' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the with some details as to your case." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of what I may call a really hard day's work." 11:15.' "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. said he. know what is wrong with it.' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just for the market.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from death." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I that you wished to speak to me?' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and this remarkable episode. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining http://gutenberg.net/license). action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Literary Archive Foundation Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out been lifted and conveyed somewhere." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, what do you think they found in the pockets?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being problems help me to do so." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to I leave." "But she could not love him." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most of them has the shutters up.' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think,