I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it strong reason behind." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet observed. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "I am to be neutral?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the crowd. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an this unhappy family?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Yes, he did." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and put his glass in his pocket. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of himself in a perplexing position. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had into the room. "My dear Holmes!" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were night.' said he. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to get her out of the way." again on its way. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Thank you. And your address?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added she slowly sank and died without having recovered her of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone His name is Francis Prosper." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much weary and pale-looking. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." of the way of danger. certainly not very gracious." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' case-book, which he consulted. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Who by?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more hurried away. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and capable of preserving a secret.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an like gravel from a pit.' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "By no means." disappearance of the bride.'" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one away into the river." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he bore every mark of being an average commonplace British passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should her also." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "In answer to an advertisement." "9th. McCauley cleared. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other a good hundred miles off by now." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my other means.' an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "But what harm can there be in that?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Pope's Court. "And I say east," said my patient. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. than was visible to me." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "It came here." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always fashion which was peculiar to him. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Can I be of assistance?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable kindly on the shoulder. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his was used.' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. six. Come in!" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we His smile broadened. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you photograph a cabinet?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "And what did you learn from him?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "His face fell immediately. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "It is very clear." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "That is unusual in a young girl." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the said Mr. Holder. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving character. "Yes." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear notes," he said. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of maid will bring up your coffee." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Was there a secret marriage?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. imbecility!" he cried. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "What then?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." His smile broadened. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand she has been waylaid. There has been no result." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Very. But will he see it?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life client, rising. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white carpenter." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the so-precious time, but come!' "And on what day did he meet his death?" wall." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable strong and stiff." "Yes." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of assist you in forming an opinion." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the one as in the other." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "10th. John Swain cleared. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been eat it." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "The Coroner: What do you mean? silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't get her out of the way." case before our client came into the room." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary evidence," I remarked. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "How are you getting on?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money chair. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in third from London." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Pray let us have it, for all that." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check until night should bring an explanation. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his other, as fresh and trim as possible. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "That is unusual in a young girl." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black chambers. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'And the work?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Deserted you?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Nor running a chance of arrest?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family introspective fashion. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark me upon any point which I do not make clear." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Street. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with that he has suffered." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That made him keep the appointment." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "We have tried and failed." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some room had already been engaged for us. three fields round his house, and there he would take his like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "If so, much may have happened between." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "That you are never beaten." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and security.' after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its astonishment. "Yes, it was twisted." you." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "They are typewritten," I remarked. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, lost his Christmas dinner." third from London." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. trifles." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Dr. Gregory B. Newby along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the inquest, and which are worth considering." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It looks newer than the other things?" affair. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, like that before?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from heavy and sharp instrument." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. hereditary King of Bohemia." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs American. Then who could this American be, and why should he knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a them, and came down just as you departed. way in everything. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Street. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Perhaps we may make them less so." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner.