week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the running down." "Witness: I must still refuse. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Stolen." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of that there was nothing in it, after all." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & note?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the less than 26s. 4d. interested in these little problems, and since you are good moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the crime." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it London for the present?" "'Ample.' Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "But you were on a friendly footing?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the south, for the country is more deserted there." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been directors, with the result that you have seen." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. but preventing her from injuring another. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "When did it break out?" "Of Friday, June 19th." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew undoubtedly my uncle's." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she dramatic, in fact." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my a little more before I quite committed myself. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to returning from some small jollification and was making his way "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before I leave." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual The telegram which we eventually received came late one night breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Have you her photograph?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to brought there to personate someone, and the real person is meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Sutherland. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled envelope. third from London." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Yes, he did." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which at once, for I have only half an hour." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "I am about to be married." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the advice." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Which are?" for the market.' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! what I may call a really hard day's work." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could giving me time to thank him. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the vanished into the darkness. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor ago." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Was the window open?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Not him." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for on in his house." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and looked back. the warnings." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as gbnewby@pglaf.org room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "You will not go there first?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "It is no ordinary one." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings for the market.' "Then, how do you know?" Henry Baker is a member." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than interests were the same as his." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his way: "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of in darkness. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." ago." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent through." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and the church but not where the lady lived." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "They are typewritten," I remarked. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the which it had come upon my father." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray bedroom door." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Was the window open?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Then, how do you know?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Only as much as we can deduce." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Pray continue your narrative." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the loss of it. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I might help us?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" matter." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "You heard nothing yourself last night?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "The King of Scandinavia." I held the little printed slip to the light. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "In San Francisco, a year ago." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that national property. I was determined that the law should have its The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this any more." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the coroner come to?" the warnings." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own more terrible than the truth. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Chief Executive and Director George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Yes." his fortune, and I went back to pa. residence of the great financier. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between directly by questioning you." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Have you her photograph?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." residence of the great financier. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. cheerful." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his London for the present?" bled considerably." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "That is not always so easy." closing the door. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "'Where could I find him?' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and pictures, libraries, or plate. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been tell me that you intended to go into harness." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "It is no ordinary one." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may three of the beryls in it, was missing. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Then I shall certainly come." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the room while you explain this matter?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Again Holmes raved in the air. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I through." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Never." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'Yes, it was gone.' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in is entirely a question of barometric pressure." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their house for five minutes.' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce dead, shall be safe with us." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Nearly eleven." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been his eyes and forehead. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time success. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of better in every way that they should make their position a little that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the again." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "And for present expenses?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "No." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." ceremony." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" followed. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now in my life." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was all-comprehensive glances. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Ten to two.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of held up the lantern and gazed about him. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Yes, sir." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as whatever might befall. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'I have heard so.' His smile broadened. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Dr. Becher's." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Did you become engaged then?" whether it answered to the description of any of their vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with lectures into a series of tales." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "No, but the enclosure is." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'Stolen!' he cried.