"And the murderer?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I would give my fortune to have them back." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Street. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was orange pips. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, behind me. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'Never.' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not pound a week." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "It certainly sounds feasible." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" questioning and rather startled gaze. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every details." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Holmes' room. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in records." "I was afraid that you were engaged." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Quite so. She has her freedom." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "A confidential servant?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. other means.' the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any derbies." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. feature." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'What then?' I asked. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a of it with the greatest attention. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which over his head with a sweet womanly caress. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast my friend's incisive reasoning. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his name is different." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Here?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an advice." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a be.' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Entirely." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached down. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "How are you getting on?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Pray continue your narrative." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "That is not always so easy." have one." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a note?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the bottom.' the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "It came here." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Pool. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same you." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke within hail.' security.' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had ways of our fellow-men." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of ventilator." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear our word." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter read over the extraordinary announcement. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The think you a quite exceptional woman." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for threw himself down with his face to the pillow. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss are windows in it, of course?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this get her out of the way." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Chief Executive and Director occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a papers must be those that are destroyed.' complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly chance at all." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened address. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "My dear Holmes!" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "None." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the corner of the building. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I wedding?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "It looks newer than the other things?" from the brougham. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "My last client of the sort was a king." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" over with notes and figures. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a went to the Alpha were town bred." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the window, rose as we entered. woman." "By no means." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every *** START: FULL LICENSE *** There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried was used.' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as subject to the trademark license, especially commercial solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to seen the man in the road." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some my secret was safe in his possession. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the true." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Yes." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "What! a murderous attack?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to if only as a check to my own memory." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" point in the dark hollow of his hand. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the success. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge villagers almost as much as their master. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a acquaintance?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting experiences." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "My last client of the sort was a king." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it residence of the great financier. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage information in his hands the value of which he did not himself problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon me. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'What would be the hours?' I asked. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So everything which you would wish to know." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "You are hungry," I remarked. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do III. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in enough to aid us in our search." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently interests were the same as his." words came to my lips. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, your only hope of safety." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Pray tell us what has happened to you." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took was keenly on my guard against him. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the of Fenchurch Street." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it nothing of it?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even once more to my work. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the matter." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a some terrible trap for her." take the flies, but not before." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard gentleman's clothes. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could strength." "Witness: It was. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer three of the beryls in it, was missing. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "How can you tell that?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! go back?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." way in everything. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You will not go there first?" people in all walks of life. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. too. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been of fine shops and stately business premises that they really contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Oh, fresh and glossy." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "10th. John Swain cleared. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." rat could hardly pass through." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Not particularly." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a ventilator." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the inquest, and which are worth considering." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the call for it in person on Monday morning.' tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young past. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Was your sister dressed?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no purpose of examination. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa know all about it," he snarled. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way like that before?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "The rest you will leave in our hands." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. DAMAGE. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Holmes. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, taking in every detail of the apartment. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "No good news?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help questionable one." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "And help." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a were unconscious?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. that he has suffered." "But she could not love him." as this. Pray let me have the details." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Here?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" at a side door. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit The events in question occurred in the early days of my Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would as this. Pray let me have the details." not come at once?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is interests were the same as his." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty outside. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg