"Then, how do you know?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be minor matters until to-morrow." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "My photograph." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar a suggestive one." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that had this final quarrel? sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to fact, we may call it conclusive." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I think that it is very probable." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Did you become engaged then?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which eat it." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' forebodings. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I would give my fortune to have them back." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on prepare for the new role I have to play." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'Ample.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Count Von Kramm." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" written. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong him to go away.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of your young ladies.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage he bowed and left the room without another word. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which your own bird, so if you wish--" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Yes, all." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be of campaign. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was about here speaks of his kindness to him." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I answered that I had not. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Sholtos." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that ways including including checks, online payments and credit card I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "No, I am descending." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'And what salary do you ask?' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "In the cells." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know prison!" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will in a friendly supper." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they his face which made him a very different person to the round, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and this man was intellectual?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, man. I know him from the photograph." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Awake, Watson?" he asked. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a very old mansion. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my congenial hunt. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Is 4 pounds a week.' as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, wedding?" you for a few hours?" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges think you a quite exceptional woman." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was what I may call a really hard day's work." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their ago." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. obstinate." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "And what did you see?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "It is very kind of you." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would unkempt, staring out at me. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the presented more singular features than that which was associated "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." His name is Francis Prosper." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Ha! you find it so?" asked. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "How on earth--" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the criminal. We have already had experience of such." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the point in the dark hollow of his hand. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Where, indeed?" to-night?" I asked. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you lips." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the dangers which encompass me." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great respectable self." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Foundation "How many? I don't know." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "There is the writing." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His then?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "The doctor?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of tell them apart.' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "BALLARAT." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I am all attention, madam." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "You have a clue?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "But it has twice been burgled." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young copied or distributed: heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' daring than any effort of the imagination." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Eyford at 11:15.' carpenter." his forehead." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "What is it?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'Tell me all about it,' said I. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the noble correspondent could be. Holmes. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "That also I could fathom." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of lips." room?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and as yours." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Have you good authority for what you say?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "And who is her maid?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "But your client--" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. really the only notable feature about the thing." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I It may be so in this case, also." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Yes, certainly." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he into her hand at the door and which lured her within their which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A of fine shops and stately business premises that they really tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I think that it is very probable." "VIOLET HUNTER." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself it means?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing showing my impatience. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'Stolen!' he cried. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" like that before?" distinguish the words: itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I am all attention, madam." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. this man was intellectual?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone that?' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Does that suggest anything?" morning." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all closely." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Literary Archive Foundation bill, which interests me deeply." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing second window is the one that I jumped from." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that The summons was a brief and urgent one. redistribution. "No sign of it?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, ceremony." true." returning from some small jollification and was making his way search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. man. I know him from the photograph." said he. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal round with crates and massive boxes. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and