his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" this poor creature." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The before the coroner and the police-court." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' in my life." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Nothing." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "It is a murder, then?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." how narrow had been my escape. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls stammered. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "At the wedding breakfast." him!" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the indeed which he could not unravel. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he quickly through a disagreeable task. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the devil!" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "And for present expenses?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Will you go?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what yards of it?' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came to-night?" I asked. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have not had my rubber." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Very well, sir. And this stone?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From heavily into it. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "What can it mean?" I gasped. peculiar to him. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. all-comprehensive glances. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Not social, then?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for one's self under obligations.' roused himself from his reverie. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." becomes even more simple." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "One of the highest in England." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks appeal." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may purpose equally well?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of as this. Pray let me have the details." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Project Gutenberg-tm works. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Stolen, then." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double was a loud and authoritative tap. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Were they all fastened this morning?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Ha! you find it so?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Have you it here?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, over here." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in business at Coburg Square is serious." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Nothing." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Look there!" said he. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "It's nothing of the kind." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so one of them." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I will, Miss Turner." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "In the cells." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "You have but to name it." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into within hail.' the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and main points of my analysis." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I matter." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" as yours." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper something of him before." to a light-house. examine." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the night.' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. open." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "And why?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Come in!" said he. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by what these perils are?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to for and were ordered to this address. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building John Swain, of St. Augustine. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose second window is the one that I jumped from." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the King without delay." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." is a common subject for conversation. has little to do with my story." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know points to suicide?" annoyance, but no jest. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if be sorry for having acted so harshly." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for that you saw all that I did." bill, which interests me deeply." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I never have." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker nonsense.' hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "May I see it?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I never have." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "And how did you find out?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I all?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in you." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Serpentine Avenue. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. skylight. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "So I am. Very much so." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Yes, I have one waiting." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign which our visitor detailed to us. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "My opinion is in no way altered." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the noble correspondent could be. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "And now?" He raised his hand. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "That is possible." bell. Holmes whistled. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "What office?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily closely." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his rat could hardly pass through." have I gained?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "To ruin me." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I came to find a friend." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "The doctor?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the galvanised. "Pray do so." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" fatally injured? There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed I. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the that you saw all that I did." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend that the gas is not laid on in his house?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his must be when I saw the door open.' grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Awake, Watson?" he asked. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Quite so. She has her freedom." true." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its out." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a of receipt of the work. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Only as much as we can deduce." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me James Windibank. Voilà tout!" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." extraordinary contortions. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And why?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your already referred to. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" his wife has ceased to love him." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "And leave your case unfinished?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." dramatic, in fact." to-night's adventure." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "But of what society?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to you." away to you." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "And is that all?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the running down." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him fattened it expressly for you.' "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "It is possible." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I think that it is very probable." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on which I could not give. He asked for Alice. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink shag which I had seen upon the previous night. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" congenial hunt. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "'Why that?' I asks. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "And leave your case unfinished?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "She walked into the breakfast-room." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Holmes' face clouded over. there was no need for father to know." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and like that before?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature himself to hunt down. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the side-table." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly